NW-Mailing-List Digest, Vol 42, Issue 22

[NW Mailing List]

Hi, Dave -

For this question I'll take off my railroad hat and put on my "Old House
Owner" hat.

While good and strong for railroad use, Oak is widely acknowledged to be a
lousy species to use in home exterior construction. It rots far more quickly
than a species such as Fir. Back in the day, I suspect that its greater
strength in operating service mattered more than its relative lifespan.  But
on your restored caboose the opposite holds true: I bet the heaviest load
will be wide gauge visitors.

So! If you want to stick with oak for authenticity, the thing to do is to
prime it with an epoxy finish. One brand that advertises heavily in the
house restoration magazines is Abatron, Inc. Their
LiquidWood<http://www.abatron.com/cms/buildingandrestorationproducts/woodrestorationmaintenance/liquidwood.html>product
be the thing to use as a primer coat. (Doing this -before- mounting
the beams will give you the greatest protection against moisture.)

Hope this helps!
- Marty Swartz
"In an old house, the only thing that works is the owner."


From: NW Mailing List <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>

> Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:24:40 GMT

> Subject: Wood Preservation

>

> This inquiry is for those "older" car knockers (and any one else that can

> help).

>

> As many on the list know I am in the process of restoring the N&W CF

> caboose 518216 at the Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati.  Part of the

> restoration is mounting new wood beams composed of oak on the end of the

> car. These beams measure 8" by 10" and go across the width of the car.  My

> question is "What is the best way and material to use to preserve these

> beams as they will be out in the weather?"  They have not been treated with

> any thing thus far.  The plan is to paint them black to match the end

> platform.  I've heard that the "old" way was to use linseed oil.  I've never

> used the stuff so I am unfamiliar with it.

>

> Thanks ahead of time for any feedback.

>

> Dave Moorehead

> Milford, OH

>

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