Builders and Number Plates: Material ?

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

Jim Blackstock wrote:
> Oldest original builder plate or number plate?; A good
> candidate Roanoke Machine Works Class G # 305 built June 1892
> construction number 137 had both builder plates in the early 60's. Assume
> they are still on the locomotive.


 Yes the builders plate are original and in tact, however, the 305 number plate was changed in the 30's to reflect it's new Matheison number. it looks like the original number was ground down and a raised #11 was mounted onto the number plate. Also the original "G"class markers on the cylinders are still in place.

Gary Price