Does anyone have a good photo of the back of a number plate, preferrably one from a Baldwin-built locomotive? I know how it bolts to the smokebox door, but I'd like to show a photo to someone and don't have a pic of my own.
Does anyone have a removed number plate that can show what the back looks like?

I don't think there is a single method, Lee.

I've seen a bolt welded onto the back of a steel number plate, inserted into a sleeve welded onto the smokebox door, and secured with a set screw arrangement. Easy on, easy off - but easy to rotate on rough track.

One arrangement common to N&W & PRR was to cast three legs (3"-4" long or so) into the back of the bronze plate casting. Three holes are tapped into these legs, holes drilled in the smokebox door, and bolts inserted from the back of the door.

JAC

Okay, well, does anyone have photos of the back of ANY number plate?

p51,

Here you go. This number plate is in the collection of the Railroad Museum of Long Island. We believe it is from a LIRR locomotive that derailed in wetlands on the North Fork of Long Island on November 17, 1935. This style number plate utilized one threaded brass stud going into the back of the plate.

Hope this is helpful. For anyone interested in seeing a photo of the wreck, please see page 168 in "Steel Rails to the Sunrise" by Ron Ziel and George foster.

de Don, n2qhvRMLI







To see these photos full-size, please go to my album at:

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/

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