I’m not surprised at the growing popularity in shows, and
those of you who have been around the show circuit for any length
of time probably aren’t, either. We already know what many
other people are learning – our hobby isn’t just about showing
old equipment, it’s also about preserving a piece of our
heritage, keeping the past alive so current generations (and those
yet to come) will have an appreciation for how we once lived and
what we were working for. These old engines we collect were marvels
in their time, and under the stewardship of the old iron community
they continue to inspire a sense of appreciation and respect for
what came before.
It will, undoubtably, be another banner year in the old iron
collective, and I can’t wait to see what surprises are in store
for us. ‘New’ old engines continue to come out of the
woodwork, and the resolve of collectors and restorers to get their
old iron back into running shape, and to share their equipment and
experiences with the rest of us, never ceases to amaze me.
