I really appreciate the craftsmanship of the restoration team and their attention to detail (the brass corners on the ends of the top of the seat backs for example). I have had the opportunity to restore several pieces of railroad equipment from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The quality and standard of workmanship I have found in the original equipment left by the builders is astounding.
It is important when a piece is being restored and a complete rebuild of any of the original components is required the new parts must duplicate the originals as closely as possible in dimension, shape, material, color and function. I have spoken to people doing work on historic artifacts who have told me they have improved the original by redesigning several parts using “New” materials. Or, we couldn’t find a piece the exact size so it was easier to just use this, no one will notice.
It is true that most likely no one will notice and in fact the redesigned part will be better. However, sometime in the future a student of railroad car construction of the late 1800’s may come and use the restored car as an example of early railway practice, won’t they be surprised to find that “CNC” machined part in the brake rigging?
Great work on the 470, I look forward to seeing the final product on the track.
Richard Farmer