Pennsylvania Old Rivets 4800

Its all about the money.  Any museum has to choose which projects get priority.  These decisions are not based upon someone's favorite piece of equipment.  They have to look at the available funding and determine where they can get the most bang for their buck.  If there is only enough funding to restore a boxcar, then restore the boxcar.  At least they have another piece of equipment to display.  If the funding is withheld until there is sufficient money to restore a particular locomotive, then they have two deteriorating pieces of equipment to deal with.

My understanding is that 4800 is on the short list for cosmetic restoration.  Recently the Museum received funding earmarked for the cosmetic restoration of several steam locomotives.  This pushed 4800 to the back burner for the time being.   I visited the Museum last August and saw 4800.  It looked rough around the edges, but I don't believe it will end up a pile of rust before they get to it.  

I believe the Museum should be commended for the work they have done, and are planning to do.  This is a first class operation that is a national treasure.  We need to support them in any way we can.  There is a big picture that has to be looked at, and I like the look of the picture!

Tom

While "Old Rivets" is one-of-a-kind historical, it does not represent all the other GG1s. IMO, the rivets screw-up the streamlined, simple, design.

Gents,

Tom D. hit it on the head.  I work at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan as a historic presenter and Model T driver.  The Henry Ford does NOT have a direct connection with the Ford Motor Company.  It's chartered as an educational institution.  Even a complete updating of its Greenfield Village required a bond floated in 2002 (which is being paid off by admissions, memberships and donations).  So I can completely agree with Tom's assessment of the PRR museum and Old Rivets.  The fact that it still exists is almost unbelievable, so at least take comfort in that.  They're doing a great job, and I heartily commend them for that. 

THF had a DC-3 sitting outside for decades before enough resources became available for its restoration.  It was eventually moved inside for folks to view and admire.

There's also a story of THF and a GG1, but that can wait. 

I usually tell guests that if they ever hit it big in the lottery and are looking for a tax break, they can donate and have a plaque with their name on it on the restoration!

She's definitely due for a face lift.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I've been to the museum a few times and have seen Old Rivets.  While it sits patiently waiting for some love, there are other GG1s in far worse shape across the country.  

In response to Joe Hohmann's view of the loco; Yes, this locomotive lacks the finishing touches that would make it purely streamlined.  That's what gave Raymond Lowey a job for awhile.  

I believe the current philosophy for most museums now is to schedule restorations as funds allow and stabilize the items in the collection based upon things like condition, rarity, and of course finances.

Judging by at least the exterior pictures, it seems as if 4800 is stabilized and that's probably the best the museum could hope for at the present time. 

Joe Hohmann posted:

While "Old Rivets" is one-of-a-kind historical, it does not represent all the other GG1s. IMO, the rivets screw-up the streamlined, simple, design.

However, "Old Rivets" does represent itself and as the father of all the other GG1's.  The GG1's would've looked entirely different if it wasn't for "Old Rivets."

Rusty

If you wanted to restore it to its first number and striping it would be 4899 not 4800. 

Dave

Museums have limited funding and unless they have targeted money, like for example money raised by groups to do something specific, they tend to use it on a triage basis, what needs it more, and to a certain extent, too, what will drive the operational reason for the museum forward the best (and not saying the 4800 isn't worth it or any particular thing). The people who work at places like that tend to be passionate IME, and I would bet they would like nothing more than to refurbish the 4800, just didn't work out in the current timeline. 

The museum is now in the process of changing out some exhibits in the main hall.  This is taking a lot of time from the restoration crew and volunteers.   Next on the list is the construction of the new roundhouse, then getting the PRR steam power in a condition to go into that building.  

The 4800 will not appreciably deteriorate between now and when it's time slot is ready for restoration work.