I'd rather see a locomotive dismantled and cut up than having it converted to burn oil unless something is majorly preventing it from burning coal.
"In my opinion, the Historical Significance of a locomotive when converted to burn oil is too far gone unless something is completely restricting coal fire".
While I respect your opinion, I don't understand your reasoning. Now, if a steam engine was gutted of its steaming ability and replaced with an internal combustion engine like some kind of amusement park ride.... THAT would be destroying historical significance. The fuel that a loco burns has little to do with its historical significance, unless it was the first or last to do so. It is the physical presence of the locomotive that matters. Putting a balloon stack on a straight stack loco, a 6 axle tender rather than a 4 axle (if never done in regular service). Changing the appearance of a steam locomotive to satisfy some aesthetic desire, is what changes historical significance. For example, the conversion of CB&Q 4960 on the Grand Canyon Railway is a perfect example of this. That locomotive bears little resemblance to what it originally looked like. Not to mention that it also burns reclaimed food grade oil instead of coal in an attempt to be more environmentally friendly. But even at that, I'd rather still have it under steam rather than meeting the end the way its big bother 5632 did.
Cutting up a loco because it doesn't burn a particular type of fuel is a bit extreme, and loss of significance as a result of the fuel change is shortsighted. Very few NON railroad enthusiasts will walk away from an encounter with steam questioning its historical significance even if was explained that the engine once burned a different fuel. They just remember the sights, sounds and smells. Folks who visit a historical railroad or locomotive are likely to be given literature, or access to information of some sort explaining the artifact and its historical significance. If an asterisk is placed below to explain that the fuel was converted due to whatever reason (Economic, environmental, availability) most would reasonably understand and be grateful that the piece even exists at all.
Those of us mourn to this day, when the occasional news of a piece of old equipment getting cut up comes across the wire. Regardless of the reason(s) such as couldn't find a buyer, or an organization to donate to, or just running out of time to move it. I cant imagine the outcry if a loco got cut up because it burned oil instead of coal. WOW!
