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Steve S.
taking apart an historic engine just so you can use a part to "validate" a replica (and that is what it would be) seems wrong to me!
I agree 100% with you Steve. I also believe this would NOT be a great idea. I'm just using the old "
machines break parts so change out as many as you want and you still have an historic locomotive" philosophy that was applied in another thread. I don't happen to agree with this philosophy but that doesn't make it wrong.
According to that philosophy, we could have both engines. And we would use the boiler from a K-37 to "validate" the C-41 as "real", just as you described. I also believe the tenders ARE original to the old C-41s, so this would also make the C-41 "real". So, in the end, which one would be the replica?? the K-37 with the original frame, wheels, running gear etc. or the C-41 with the original boiler, domes, tender frame and trucks etc.???
Like I said, I personally would think very little of either engine would be "real" but there are many that would disagree with us. I'm just going through this exercise to explore their philosophy of "Historic Preservation". I do NOT like it, but I think I can see where they are coming from. I don't agree with it because I believe there is such a thing as "historic material". I know many well respected people disagree with me but its just my personal preference. Besides, who am I to say which is right and which is wrong.