A guide for the conservator in formulating an approach to the preservation of industrial archaeological (large scale ferrous based) artifacts with special reference to corrosion problems: describes the steps involved between accepting a specimen and its full-scale conservation. 1) the condition record: the degree of rusting, colour of paintwork, texture of surfaces. 2) cleaning: non-destructive and destructive cleaning methods. 3) surface protection: transparent removable coatings and pigmented coatings. 4) environmental control, especially: siting of stores, local meteorological conditions, handling of artifacts. Tables, 17 references.