Traction Engine Metal Colours

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

All, someone on another scale model forum was asking about metal colours on traction engines for this new resin model:

Apart from the obvious brass and copper, were any parts plated?

My assumption would be that any ‘silver’ parts would be polished steel that’s oiled or greased to stop rust? Not sure about the smoke box door handles etc?

Any advice I could pass on?

Thanks.

 

[MichaelRParticipant @michaelr]

I don’t think that any parts would be plated on traction engines in those days, polished steel as you say would be used for unpainted parts, smoke box door handles that I have seen are usually left bare metal.

I’m very impressed by that model kit, thought I would look for it on the web.

Here    https://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/products/scalex-1901-burrell-compound-traction-steam-engine-1-16-3d-printed-model-kit-1?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21218938977&utm_content=–c&utm_term=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=wl_pmax_catch_all&utm_id=21218938977&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21218951190&gbraid=0AAAAAD-MhYFaoQNrirzdz2RCHoJFk83yc&gclid=CjwKCAjw6f3RBhApEiwAMaCqWeHNfHFRQVzBYbRIommTs46L1Jv3YF4p3_BkGvLKw3nLCPwPE1mzCBoCqX0QAvD_BwE#tab_product 

MichaelR

No connection with above company

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

There would be no plating . Smoke box, door and chimney black. Brass polished, steel handles polished. Wheels red. A look at any good book on traction engines will be a good guide. Noel.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I don’t think any of the steel would be “polished” in the true sense to a very fine finish. More likely a machined, drawfilled or Emery finish that is kept bright with an oily rag. Well used surfaces like steering wheel handle may have become more polished over time by handling.

I did send one of our members that is building a SCC a video of the engine going together a few weeks ago.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

Thanks all, I’ll link them direct to this thread.

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