A friend that runs full size steam told me not to do much, just clean and repair.
Gotta ask, does your friend belong to any of the area clubs? Does he have any engines?
He belongs to the WMSTR (cancelled this year). I know he has a big 10x18 National Transit (Klien) and an Otto 40-50. Beyond that I don't know. He's been in it since '68 when his dad got the bug.