View source for Conservation and restoration of rail vehicles

{{Short description|Aims to preserve historic rail vehicles}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2009}}
[[File:DSC 0043 043-1xRP - Flickr - drewj1946.jpg|thumb|Denver & Rio Grande Western 315]]
[[File:SR Maunsell saloon (interior) (9129765487).jpg|thumb|Interior coach]]
'''Conservation and restoration of rail vehicles''' aims to preserve historic [[rail vehicles]]. It may concern trains that have been removed from service and later restored to their past condition, or have never been removed from service, like UP 844, the only U.S. steam locomotive to never be retired. They are often operated in present-day service as moving examples of living history, as opposed to static exhibits. 

The majority of restored trains are operated at [[heritage railways]] and railway museums, although they can also be found on the main lines or branch lines of the commercial working railway, operated by specialist railtour companies or museum groups. In contrast, main line railway preservation is the practice of operating restored trains on a railway network which is also operational primarily for serious commercial use.

For authenticity, the location/route of preserved trains is often chosen to match the original trains used. Heritage railways and railway museums aim to restore and operate restored trains. Trains are often restored to the original authentic livery of their original owner.

== In the United States ==
[[Image:Eureka at Rockwood, 1997.JPG|thumb|Eureka & Palisades No. 4, an example of a restored train in the United States]]
The restoration of historic railway equipment has gained importance in the United States, primarily because of a large amount of steam locomotives and cabooses donated by railroads to cities and museums, many of which have been displayed in parks for many years. Often these restoration projects are accomplished by a local railroad club or chapters of a national organization.

Examples of major projects accomplished by clubs are [[D&RGW 315]], which was displayed in the city park in [[Durango, Colorado]], until removed by the Durango Railway Historical Society and restored to operation,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drhs315.org/blog/projects/drgw-315/|publisher=Durango Railway Historical Society|title=D&RGW 315|accessdate=25 January 2011}}</ref> as well as [[D&RGW 223]], which was displayed at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, Utah, until moved to [[Ogden, Utah|Ogden]] and restored by the Golden Spike Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trainweb.org/GoldenSpikeLRHS/|publisher=GoldenSpikeR&LHS|title=D&RGW 223|accessdate=25 January 2011}}</ref>

[[Eureka Locomotive|Eureka & Palisades 4]], also known as the ''Eureka'', was purchased by a lawyer from Reno, Nevada. She was restored and is still privately owned, operating occasionally on the [[Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad|Durango & Silverton]] and [[Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad]]s in Colorado.
== Streetcars==

{{Excerpt|Heritage streetcar}}

== Bibliography ==
* Carlson et al. (1986), ''The Colorful Streetcars We Rode'', Bulletin 125 of the Central Electric Railfans' Association, Chicago, Il. {{ISBN|0-915348-25-X}}
* Taplin, Michael; and Russell, Michael (2002). ''Trams in Western Europe'' ({{ISBN|1-85414-265-8}}). Harrow Weald, Middlesex, UK: Capital Transport Publishing.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==See also==
{{colbegin}}
* [[Cable car (railway)]]
* [[Gandy dancer]]
* [[Horsecar]]
* [[List of heritage railways]]
* [[List of town tramway systems]]
* [[List of British heritage and private railways|Heritage railways in Britain]]
*[[Motive power depot]]
*[[Railway workshop]]
* [[San Francisco Historic Trolley Festival]]
{{colend}}

{{Public transport}}
{{Railwaypreservation}}
{{Cultural Conservation-Restoration}}

[[Category:Conservation and restoration of vehicles| ]]
[[Category:Heritage railways]]
[[Category:Tram transport]]
[[Category:Heritage streetcar systems| ]]