Hello all!

I'm looking for information regarding the paints and colors used on steam locomotive backheads. In particular what colors would have been used, and what sort of paint historically would have been applied to the firebox doors. Would they have painted them the same as the backhead, or left them bare steel? Or was something special used like graphite or stove paint to deal with the heat?

I'm looking more for what would have historically been used rather then what is used today.

Thank you all in advance!

I am not sure original paints would be practical today due to safety restrictions IE lead based paints. Abestos was used in the lagging which is outlawed today. I have a Cyclopedia I'll check soon for any info however. Painting likely varies between railroads and their approach to colors. The base metal may get a high heat paint. The covering sheet may be painted black or specific railroads may have some other color. I know the NKP 765 had a dark green interior cab but the backhead was black. I wonder what CB&Q 5632 had when it was painted silver (or was it gold) what they did with the backhead....

I would have to say in generailty black was a standard base color, but was not limited to black. The early 1800's steamers were colorific so who knows...

Try a mix of BBQ Black paint from home depot mixed with a high heat aluminum paint which will have to come from a specialty paint store. Mix any shade of gray that you need.

Back in the day valve oil mixed with graphite was used but this will rub off on you.

Greetings:
At Valley Railroad we have used a mixture of flake graphite and BOILED linseed oil (don't use raw linseed oil or it will turn brown when it gets hot) for years.
Just mix up a little at a time until you get a thick, paintable mixture.
Apply over a freshly wirebrushed surface. Re-apply as needed.
We find that it lasts for years.
Good luck,
J.David

We used the same mix on 1522 as Dave mentioned. Sometimes I used steam oil, graphite flake and a little mineral spirits. It lasted a long time once it was baked on.