We've visited this issue before on ngdiscussion. Unless something has changed since I was President, at SVRy we go out of our way to let folks see what is going on, making sure that we keep them out of harms way when heavy stuff is going on. I think we have been pretty successful in being a friendly place and letting folks see the behind-the-scenes operation. We drop whatever we are doing and show visitors around, making sure that they don't get into dangerous situations. We are especially mindful of children. It is impossible to keep working and watch kids. As volunteers, we are encouraged to do this. Visitor good will is very important to us.
Now having said that, it may be that things will change when we get a pit in the backshop and have our large lathes in operation.
I recall in high school our class toured the Hines Lbr. Co. They had a tour path which took us quite close to the steam driven bandsaw carriages (they had 2). I've since learned that if a tooth had broken off the saw, or the band broken, we could have been seriouly injured or killed. Times have changed, I'm sure that would not be allowed now days.
Finally, seven or eight years ago I signed a release and was allowed to roam about the yard and shops of the P&W, W&P (Portland & Western/Willamette & Pacific) in Albany, Oregon. I ventured into the shop where an SW1200 was on jacks with a broken axle and mechanics were repairing it. It was great, and I'll never forget it. They also gave me a calendar. I've since learned they have a new manager and this is not allowed. I got a lot of photos for decals I was making. They also gave me permission to make the decals and sell them at local hobby shops.
dan