|
Tubes are easy because you can still do that yourself. Yes, the materials are a bit expensive, but if you figure that a $1200 set of tubes can last 25 years (in preservation) and budget for it, then it really isn't all that high. As for the money to play the game, I think you'll find there are 2 "types" of owners, the rich boys to whom it is mostly a neat toy, and the poorer ones to whom it has always been a labor of love. As to how to afford to play the game - It all about priorities and trade-offs. Are you willing to put off that new(er) car for another 5 years? Pass on that out of state vacation? Perhaps even refinance the house? Fellows, the REAL problem with running steam is that while you and everyone you know may be conscientious, and safe, it only takes one yahoo that you never met cutting corners once too often and hurting hisself in a spectacular enough fashion to cause YOU a world of hurt too. Sadly, MOST of the changes in the various local boiler laws in the last 40 years seem to have had less to do with the physical safety of the public, than they had to do with shifting liability, CYA, and general political "feel good". Even the more "elightened" law writers often found their hands tied by insurance and bar interests. Net result? Materials and labor costs more, and there are fewer places allowed to do it. Meanwhile, I know of a couple clubs that could use some extra help in the steam department (stationary steam, but a good way to get your feet wet without investing anything but time.)
|
