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

Good morning from Brooklyn...

My main aim is getting the engines running as they should.

Then, getting them as clean as possible while trying to minimize the
removal of any original paint or patina.  That is all.

I figure the next owner, if they desire, could strip it and refinish it
so it looks as good (or nearly as good) as new.  But if the color is
at all off......  Not a big deal on an easily obtainable engine but on
a real rarity it is a big deal.

I like the look of age to some degree.  It adds to the charisma of history.
Who bought it when new?  Who has owned it?  Where has it traveled?  All
those questions disappear with a full restoration.  For some steamers, a
full resto, especially on a rare engine, is a sin. 

IMHO,
Wayne