Large Scale Central

Smoke Box Numbers answer from prvious post

General Discussion
#1

My Forney had a Star on the smoke Box Plate. Here in the US RR didn’t put stars on there it was used for Numbers and headlamps and such. Not to say it wasn’t at all but here in PA it was the norm for engine # and RR logos and headlamps http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/paps101line/_forumfiles/NYC

Old logging company’s didn’t need numbers if you only had 1 engine. Not even steel rails here.

White Deer & Loganton RY #1 near my home in early 1900’s sports a # 1 up front.

The PRR used a Red Keystone with Bronze numbers on the Boiler Front. Here is a Hillcrest #9 sporting it’s 9 on the front

I don’t see any stars. So if you want a star on the front of your Loco fine. But I want a number on mine. Just like my Great Pappy had, When he run his #1 Climax. And if you live in Jolly old England and yours has a handle, go for it. But don’t knock someone for doing what they want.

#2

Yep! The Red Chinese star has to go now that I know it’s there. Maybe a PRR plate or even a number for now.

#3

The Red Chinese star is no more. Now I want to find a more appropriate plaque for the smokebox.

#4

David;
I painted over it about 6 times heavily until it looked smooth and right to me.
I put a # 1 on my engine because it is my first Live Steamer.
They are a hoot to run.
When I get the money I’m going to send for a Chuff pipe.
I watched video, I think I will like the pipe.
Thanks for posting the link.
David

#5

David;
You may have something there a Keystone number board would be a great idea.
David

David Hill said:
Yep! The Red Chinese star has to go now that I know it's there. Maybe a PRR plate or even a number for now.
#6

Any ideas out there where to get a PRR herald for the front of my smokebox?

#7

David, Look out for an old Pennsy Lionel 4-4-2 Atlantic as they have the Herald you are looking for As seen in my Kitbash of a Pennsy H8/H9 2-8-0 build seen below

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b385/speedfreak1996/Kitbashes/IM002630.jpg)

…

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b385/speedfreak1996/Kitbashes/IM002595.jpg)

#8

Don’t use plastic unless it’s just for display. I’ve even had failures with white metal (it melted). So far, only the original brass number plate has survived the heat of my smoke box door. I filed the Accucraft one smooth and used high-temp epoxy to attach a brass tie-tack number pin I picked up at Cass Scenic.

(http://lsc.cvsry.com/Post2/LocoNumbering_09-800.jpg)

(http://lsc.cvsry.com/Post/ShayWeather-800-02.JPG)

#9

A star was a common placeholder by Baldwin when they built a locomotive for stock, or no roadnumber was specified. It was very common to see them on pre1900 Baldwin products, particularly a few on the Maine Two Footers which is sorta what the Forney was based on.

#10

This started because I didn’t want a star, I wanted a number there.
I stated that My Forney had a star, but I painted over it to cover it up.
I did this not for any other reason than to be able to place a #1 there.
You see it is my first Live Steamer and I wanted the number to reflect that.
I was told earlier by the same guys,(on a different post) that said it is your RR you can do what ever you want.
These people complained that I covered up the Chinese star.
Well I never called it a Chinese star, I only called it a star.
I guess I should have just passed up on buying the Forney and saved more money and got a Climax later on.
Then there would not have been such a fuss.
Sounds like, well I’m not going to say any more about it. It’s done and that’s that.
David

#11

Really? You had a star, wanted a 1. Now you have a 1. Very nice.