Start with David Harvey’s comments, which reflect best general museum practice.

Also, look to Railroad, Maritime, and Aircraft museums (doing so use a critical eye to 
differentiate museums from train rides… the same applies to some of the aircraft groups which fly 
their aircraft).  In all three cases these are large, complex technical objects, which have 
significant interpretive benefits if operated, but those benefits are offset by the consumption of 
the artifact both through use, and during the restoration process.

I would also note that there is a significant difference in the way you deal with a large complex 
piece of machinery, which has lived most of its life outdoors, was modified regularly during its 
useful life, and then was abandoned outside, “outback” before being collected for its historic 
value as compared to a piece of art, or other object which has lived a protected life.

Look at the Association of Railroad Museums’ (ARM) recommended practices 
http://www.railwaymuseums.org/recommended_practices.asp which was written as an attempt to codify 
some of the differences which are found in a professional way.

You will also have issues of working productively with a group of volunteers, who are likely more 
focused on the equipment of their childhood memories, and have traditional make it work farm 
experience, and are likely to clash with a more carful “conserve and document” strategy.

With all of the above in mind, typical Pre-Restoration studies for railroad equipment include:  A 
careful study of the artifact in its present condition (including photographs and “as is” 
drawings)  a history of the artifact, from origin to current status, with emphasis on the changes 
which have occurred to the object while in use,  a series of restoration target options, including 
conserve as is, and restoration to a variety of different times, with explanation of how each 
could be interpreted, and how much work each would require and how much of the current artifact 
would be lost for each.  Include a budget (both for materials and labor, even if labor is 
donated.)

During any restoration, it is necessary to document everything found, done, etc… (Volunteers are 
not always good at this)

Consider keeping some objects “as is” and restoring others.

Volunteers are wonderful.  They can be very productive, but also can be difficult to manage.

Randy Hees
Patterson House at Ardenwood Historic Farm
City of Fremont, California

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