WesternLancer
Established Member
- Joined
- 12 Apr 2019
- Messages
- 7,245
Yes, ideally you would have a mix - interesting prototypes and the things everyone used and was commonplace (which is very important as you say, eg as a way of linking the general public's experience with the object), but maybe not just lots of the commonplace as it were. Having said that, I totally get why it's good to have examples of things in different places so you can see and enjoy them locally to you - esp if there is a link to the area concerned. Ultimately all down to what the preservation movement can afford of course, which is money based and the time of volunteers to make it happen.I suppose it depends what you want.
I'd much rather be able to see and travel on trains that were once commonplace and widespread but are no longer around than a prototype that only ever ran briefly.
And yes, unless maybe you think that it's preventing heritage lines from spending money on something more worthwhile, I can't see the damage done by having plenty of parts donors around.
Personally I'm pleased that lots of Pacers are not going to scrap yards now, but I am realistic that some will in due course, and no doubt parts from them will help others survive I am sure.