OERM is nearing completion on restoration of UP E-8 942, and will need to apply reproduction builder's plates. I thought I saw something about someone making repro EMD builder's plates. If someone knows, please let me know. Thanks!

Western Metal Arts, see link:

http://wmasign.com/973/1015.html

We've used them a couple of times now. Very nice work. They also etched our name in the back in large letters to make them harder to sell should they be stolen.

Kent McClure
Monticello Railway Museum

Also UP and Reading Tech have obtained decals from a company in Nebraska that makes full color decals. These were on the UP E units last time I saw them. Unfortunately I don't have the name of the company but someone else on the forum may.

Rich

Wonder if these folks could do an engine control panel from an EMD???

ETA

You may want to seriously consider decals. I believe UP went through several rounds of replica plates that kept getting stolen from their E-units, even after they welded big metal tabs over the rivets to prevent them from being drilled out. Even a replica builder's plate is worth something to a "collector", but a shredded decal is useless. Get them printed on metallic foil and no one will know the difference from 10 feet away.

The PLA ( Niles Canyon Railway ) people have used EMD decal builders plates on their F unit and SD-9 they are quite nice looking

In my experience, the metal ones aren't painted with good weather-resistant paint, as they are designed to hang in the hobby room. As a result, they do not hold up well under service conditions. Plus, you always run the risk of someone trying to steal them, thinking they are the real thing.

The Levins of the PRR E unit fame had the company in Nebraska do the decal plates. They would have the information. They look pretty good, and you don't encounter the theft issue, and you don't have to drill and tap holes into the carbody to mount them.

Seems we are now in the need for reproduction plates, the metal type is our desire.
I tried the link mentioned, but it is no longer valid.
Does this company still exist or has someone any info on other makers?
Thank you
Tim

When replacing the GETEL 18 builder plates at the IRM I was given this etched stainless sign contact by a sign guy I worked with.

http://www.gardenmarker.com/engraved-signs

As it was painted black/white I ended up using printed vinyl that looks fine from 10 feet, so never contacted them. I think there are several other outfits that etch Alu. Or Stainless for the Botanical marker market.

Tim,

For many years, UP used:

Omaha Antique & Job Plating Co
846 S 24th St
Omaha, NE 68108

Well into its second generation.

Mark Chickinell
402-341-3193

They made all the plates on the UP steam locomotives and plates for the museum/corporate. They did a fantastic job on all the different plates (builders, UP shield, Superheater Co patent, trust) on the ex UP 4023 cosmetic restoration.

Sincerely,

Matt

Western Metal Arts has been out of business for a couple of years.