Preserving heritage railways through use

Decision making in large object collections has often revolved around the tension between using it and possibly losing it; “using” it to preserve either in operation or as static display or storing it away, risking decay and losing it due to lack of resources. Preservation through use (Norwegian: vern gjennom bruk) is a conservation ideology that forms the basis of Norwegian cultural heritage management. It hinges on the premise that heritage collections are best preserved whenever used. Although widely advocated as a conservation ideology in Norway, preservation through use is not objective on the guidelines for restoring and maintaining historical railway vehicles in working condition. This article advocates for the implementation of a code of conduct for restoration of heritage railway vehicles in harmonization with national preservation plan for railway rolling stock. It aims to discuss the term authenticity in the context of restoration of railway vehicles considering their further use as operational heritage trains. A case example is presented by the restoration plan of steam locomotive nr. 6 at a Heritage railway in southern Norway. To preserve the authentic one must have know-how as well as the ethos of museum conservation. What that code of conduct is in Heritage railway context is largely subject to interpretation, while there are guidelines which can help managers make wise decisions in preservation work carried out on heritage vehicles. The article draws on the author’s experience both as a volunteer on Heritage railways and as historical curator at the national railway museum in Hamar.