Having only in the stationary engine restoration for a couple of years, I notice at rallies, that as far as appearance goes we are not 'top of the pops'! - at all these shows, nearly all of the other exhibitors being cars / motor cycles / tractors / traction engines, all show pride in whatever they are showing, in that most are well polished, painted etc reflecting and bit of pride in their efforts of restoration.
How is it then, that 'a little thing' like a stationary engine is scruffy to say the least
- now come on, show a bit more pride in our hobby - seal those water leaks, and get out the paint pot! - after all, they are not the size of a Burrell.

Scruffy engines ??? him I suppose so, but in my travels most countries you go to
only a very few engines are polished and painted.
The trend I believe is to keep them in there working clothes, I know here in
NZ an engine that looks used tends to attract more attention that one that looks newer and better painted .
True there are some extremely tidy engines, but its the most noise smoke and banging that attracts the crowds.
No disrespect to the brothers that polish and preen there engines but just watch
the crowd, I have noticed they will pass and comment very nice but just watch further
down the line with an engine banging and chuffing and blowing smoke and held
together with string they will stand there for hour wondering how the hell is that engine running when they cant start there 2 year old lawn mower
Just watch

i myself have engines i have done up which look new and other which i think look better left as original a bit wors for whear. and an engine i also use i haven't got round to doing but most people take pride in them i think