I think that the big things it needs are a little TLC, some maintenance, and getting people in to demonstrate. I don't mind the first two, but the third is going to be irregular and very difficult to plan ahead for me. I know they were looking especially for someone to demo on their Homestead Days, Sep 19th and 20th.

I'll be trying to demo when I can, but with the railroad as well as drill with the Guard...a lot of randomness to it. Right now, trying to plan repairs and organization, and looking for a list of people that would be willing to work on it, and/or demo.

The shop itself is in decent shape, with the exception of the hood, which has been removed, and needs to be refabbed and replaced. I was trying to figure out the best way to go about that, and something that looked approximately authentic.

After that, they could use a few more tools/supplies, and the ones they have could use a little bit of maintenance. They have a couple of hardies, an anvil, two post vises, both of which could stand better mounting, two blowers - one frozen, one working, maybe 10 or 12 assorted tongs, couple of hammers and struck tools that need dressing, some stock, coal, charcoal, and a nice post drill.

I think it would be a nice demo or two to get in there and make some tools; they seemed short on hammers, punches, drifts, chisels, nail header, rivet tools, swages, quench tanks, files, hose or such connecting blower to tuyere. And perhaps a box or couple of racks to organize things. Looks like most of what they've got has been left behind/donated, and then possibly pilfered a bit by demoing smiths.

I think with a little effort, we could also put together a wooden box forge or even a "55 forge" for forging outside or nearer to the casting shed, where thinking period is not such an issue. That would also allow for some forging almost immediately, despite weather and the state of repairs.