I really like seeing this saved! I sometimes feel conflicted over historic restorations where nearly every part is replaced - like grandfather's axe. While I like to see as much original reused as possible, I feel less conflicted if some of the old parts are saved from the trash heap for display elsewhere. I've got an old car myself, and right now I am conflicted between buying a new, reproduction made in china door, or repairing the old door as best as possible. Repairing the old door will probably be more expensive and the repairs won't be perfect, but at least it's still the original door.
I guess that is why I feel unenthusiastic about projects like a 492 boiler on a 497 frame. Yeah, sure railroads like the D&RGW did things like that all the time, but the D&RGS was not in the business of historic preservation.