Forgive me as this question may be silliest ever asked but I know there are those who are curious. What would happen if one was to attempt to relight and fire a static display engine. I don't mean just any engine but one that is in great shape but non operational. Examples N&W Y6A 2156, UP 9000,UP 3977, Big Boy 4017, or ATSF 3450. Could it be possible at all and would any of the appliances still work? Most of these engines were drained and then towed dead and just left the way they were the day they retired from service. Sounds silly and dangerous not to do a restoration but just a random question I always wanted to throw out.
Even after a few years of just sitting, corrosion will have still been at work. How much is unknown but it surely would be a risk to fire it up. Then there are things like the gauges and pressure relief valves. They should all be cleaned, rebuilt and retested. Things might actually work but they could more likely turn bad real fast. This is all just speculation on my part.
What could go wrong? Heh... Steam Leaks, Water Leaks, Flue Leaks, Cylinder Leaks, Seized Valves, Seized Cylinders, Siezed Bearings, Pitted/Flat Wheels, Rotten Boiler sheet, Rotten Stay bolts, Siezed generator, etc.. Some of which could lead to derailment, poor steam pressure, lack of brakes, lack of sanding, lack of lights, lack of operating fixtures/gauges, boiler explosion, etc... Most steam locomotives that are stored didn't become stored in great shape.
I have heard about examples where appliances were tested using compressed air. Even that seems to be a lot of work. No way I'd attempt to light off a boiler which has been sitting. Even one which was deliberately rebuilt then mothballed will need complete and thorough inspection, or required legal testing= Big $$$$$$$$$.
