There it is again, the “Rotting away, rusting away” clause. I intensely dislike this turn of phrase. Along comes yet another busy-body, know-it-all who openly criticizes an organization for the care and keeping (or lack thereof) of a historic piece without having a clue as to what it takes. Museums are not in the business of catering to their whims.
First of all, all those critical bastards should be thanking that organization or person for saving or rescuing whatever it is from the scrapper. Secondly where were you when the opportunity to save something came up? And don’t give me that “I was only six years old” crap. If you don’t like what is happening to an artifact then join the program and support the preservation. You might find it is a little more expensive and time consuming than you thought.
For someone to have rescued a car or locomotive shows grim determination. The cost to acquire, move, store, and protect is no small under taking. Finding a foot print upon which to set it and have it undisturbed can be huge. This coupled with the act of preservation can be staggering. Asbestos remediations, lead paint removal, paint to prevent rust even if not the right color, and covered storage can easily run into to the tens of thousands of dollars. Insurance against trespassers and vandals is at times more than can be borne by the devotee. Keeping a piece from destruction so perhaps the next generation can do something with it is to be lauded not criticized.
Realize however, that if you take the initiative to join an organization for the express purpose of pressing preservation/restoration, that your opinion might not be worth much. And if you won’t materially contribute to the project of your choosing then your opinion is worth even less.
I should also like to point out to you do-gooders that in this country an individual or organization can own stuff. They can do anything they want with the stuff. So the argument that you would do something better with the stuff doesn’t give you the right to demand possession of it. If you really want to endear yourself to an organization shop their collection and demand that things be turned over to you as a better steward. At best you will be told to take flying leap at the moon. And, in case you don’t know it, taking this attitude proves you’re no better at anything or anyone.
So rather than cruise around the country eyeballing organizations that have stuff and aren’t doing what you think they should with it, go save something yourself. Be part of the solution not part of the problem. Put up or shut up.