Hi, Dave -<br><br>For this question I'll take off my railroad hat and put on my "Old House Owner" hat.<br><br>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.<br>
<br>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<a href="http://www.abatron.com/cms/buildingandrestorationproducts/woodrestorationmaintenance/liquidwood.html"> LiquidWood</a> product be the thing to use as a primer coat. (Doing this -before- mounting the beams will give you the greatest protection against moisture.)<br>
<br>Hope this helps!<br>- Marty Swartz<br>"In an old house, the only thing that works is the owner." <br><br><br><div class="gmail_quote"><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
From: NW Mailing List <<a href="mailto:nw-mailing-list@nwhs.org">nw-mailing-list@nwhs.org</a>><br>Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:24:40 GMT<br>Subject: Wood Preservation<br><p>This inquiry is for those "older" car knockers (and any one else that can help).</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Thanks ahead of time for any feedback.</p>
<p>Dave Moorehead<br>Milford, OH</p>
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