A4 Pacific - Cab Window Spectacles

[S.A.C. Martin]

Really simple question for which I have scoured RCTS 2A, Yeadon's, British Pacific Locomotives and many more, and can't find the answer!

What metal are the cab spectacle frames on an A4 Pacific's cab front made of?

[52A]

I would say brass.

[S.A.C. Martin]

Phew 52A - that's a stunning and brilliant photograph that! Yes, I think you're right. I know it's brass on other locomotive classes but wanted to make 100% sure.

[60800]

I'm not so sure about that. Take a look at 60009's;

[mick b]

Brass . The Coronation Locos would have been Chrome plated

[52A]

In later years they were usually painted.

[Postman Prat]

Hi

Not such a simple question. Checking photos, taken over the last few years shows

no doubts 60019 Chrome
60022 Brass

60007 Fireman's side Brass 95% certain
Driver's side Could be either, both taken the same day, although I lean towards Brass

60009 Fireman's side Brass 100%
Drivers side Almost certain (95% or more) Chrome

Bittern & Mallard photographed together Barrow Hill this year. On 60009 each side was photographed on different occassions, about 5 years apart.

I don't suppose this has helped!!

[60800]

I have both sides of 60009 in 'chrome'. There's a massive difference between the look of 60009 and 4464's chrome surrounds though. 60009's are a lot duller and have a brushed metal finish to my eye

[Postman Prat]

Hi Blackout.

My photo of the Fireman's side was taken at the Severn Valley on 23.9.01. It's possible that it had been changed before you took your photo; as I said in my post 100% certain Brass!

Confusing the issue even further.

[60800]

I reckon she had new-uns made from mild steel or iron during the recent overhaul. They were definitely brass in colour before the overhaul

[S.A.C. Martin]

If we are quite sure that the majority of A4s over their life had brass spectacle frames, then it's perfect for that I am planning. Thank you gentlemen.

[Bryan]

How about Chromed Brass?
Or whatever it might be called.

[52D]

Chrome does take to copper and brass very well, when plating steel to get a good finish it is often copper plated before the Chromium layer is added.

[swhite01]

In the LNER people section of the forum - thread titled - "Top Shed" there has been a photo posted of 60008 in the early 60's the link, I hope, is here download/file.php?id=11029&mode=view when enlarging this picture the frames look to be brass.

Steve

[S.A.C. Martin]

In the LNER people section of the forum - thread titled - "Top Shed" there has been a photo posted of 60008 in the early 60's the link, I hope, is here download/file.php?id=11029&mode=view when enlarging this picture the frames look to be brass.

Steve

Definitely brass there. Good spot, many thanks.