Nebraska
All, Yes there will be a decision made by this coming summer as to whether it is feasable and economically possible to restore the engine to operational status. It will NOT be haphazardly scrapped. Ken is right on-- We at WMSTR have operational displays ,and if it seems that we can not do a display justice by having it warm and running, we will seek many alternatives BEFORE the ultimate sin of scrapping occours! (by the way Mike, if it comes to the point that we can't restore-- I definialtly want to talk to you!!) The concern that Mark and I have is that the top of the main steam chest and cylinder has been open to the water. If ,when we crack the head and see that the main bore has cracked--- It's all over folks.. ( as an afterthought the Corliss valve bores will be checked as well ). The main goal for this coming year will be to get the engine out of the mud and on dry ground, covered, and sprayed to prevent further corrosion. Rick, respectfully, I do like the fact that someone may not understand fully what we are talking about or what we say on the Forum. It allows a question to be asked and (hopefully) answered. If it were not for the (scrapped) comment, we wouldn't have Mike give us an alternative to the junkman! Anyway-- thanks again for the interest in the Nebraska. Keep this thread going! Will post more after this coming weekend. Respectfully, Tim Moen.