Handrails on locomotives and tenders

[Kestrel]

Were the handrails and handrail supports on locomotives and tenders painted the same colour as the part of the body over which they passed or just left to tarnish naturally?

In some colour photographs they are painted whilst ones I have seen, seem to have been left unpainted.

[2002EarlMarischal]

I believe that generally they were painted the same colour as the boiler cladding but there were variations especially where locos were prepared for exhibitions or special duties. It may be that the different works/sheds had different practices too.

From a modeller's point of view there is generally no substitute for examining photos of the precise loco being modelled, and of course appearance varied between overhauls.

Not a very helpful answer really.

[Kestrel]

Thanks but it's not easy to see what's what if you only have black and white photographs to work to.