Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

I just have to say it is a great idea, a real challenge to get
it to run correctly, and neat looking.  Ensuring that the engine
has no water damage would be no more difficult than protecting
any number of ephemeral items such as books, magazines, 
comics, family photos, records,  books, artwork.....I'm sure
the list is longer.  The only indestructible collectible that
I have is agate rough.  Decorative glassware and pottery will
probably be ok if soaked.  Non-electric metal collectibles will
make it too, if they are quickly recovered and dried (well, paint
on the surface might be a problem). 

  Given that, my paper collectibles that are in the basement
are kept on the higher shelves. During hurricane Sandy I had
water in my basement but only rocks were soaked.  Well, other
boxes of junk, too, but nothing that counts as a loss. 

  The message is, don't let such worries stop you from having
some fun.  If your friend buys one, and you think it is nonsense
because it is delicate, well, if you can't say something nice....

A bit wordy but sincere,
Wayne