There is a new PBS series that you may all find of interest: Ultimate Restorations. Here is a piece of their site.
From the last half of the 19th century through the first half of the 20th, innovation and craftsmanship were at their highpoint in history. Beauty and quality were as important as functionality in the “Golden Age”. Taking 4 years to shoot, Ultimate Restorations has documented 8 important American restorations of icons from this era. Over 2,000 hours of spectacular HD videotape are now being transformed into 8 of the most entertaining television specials ever produced.
The one of particular interest is probably the “The Sierra #3 Locomotive: A Star Is Reborn”
A group of passionate restorers resurrect one of the oldest operating steam locomotives in the United States, built in 1891 in New Jersey and made famous in movies like High Noon and Rawhide. Remaining true to the original’s complex engineering and construction requires incredible precision and patience, and the team struggles to complete the project before its scheduled Fourth of July debut.