Originally Posted by cbojanower:
Yea finding a new engine will be one the list if I do this next year. Problem was she is an antique store and really wanted a 1950 authentic display.
What she won't know won't hurt her. 
Using reproductions is very commonplace on public display layouts. Even the large Standard Gauge tinplate layout in the upper level of the California State Railroad museum uses reproductions because of more efficient operations, not just to reduce wear & tear on originals. They would be hard-pressed to find anybody in the general public who would even notice.
If it looks like a duck...
