Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site in Colorado Springs, Colorado owns a circa
1890's F.C. Austin sprinkler wagon. It was previously used by the City for
street maintenance. It is our desire to continue to use it as a part of our
living history program. To that end we wish to restore it.

Our question is:  What measures were taken to preserve a wagon like this in
the northern climes to insure the wooden staves would not  split due to the
water in the barrel freezing?

I know of no other way to keep a barrel water tight other than by keeping
water in it. The obvious solution would have been for them to have the
vehicle filled with water and stored indoors...etc. If it were kept
outdoors, then what?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Posted by
Matt Mayberry for...
Andy Morris
Historic Site Manager
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site in Colorado Springs, Colorado owns a circa
1890's F.C. Austin sprinkler wagon. It was previously used by the City for
street maintenance. It is our desire to continue to use it as a part of our
living history program. To that end we wish to restore it.

Our question is:  What measures were taken to preserve a wagon like this in
the northern climes to insure the wooden staves would not  split due to the
water in the barrel freezing?

I know of no other way to keep a barrel water tight other than by keeping
water in it. The obvious solution would have been for them to have the
vehicle filled with water and stored indoors...etc. If it were kept
outdoors, then what?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Andy Morris
Historic Site Manager
RLR

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).