Smoke Box Number Plates

[DWS]

Hi All

Does anyone know of a firm that can supply smoke box number plates?  I am about to purchase a new Dapol 45xx 4571 (2S-014-003) which doesn't appear to have a number plate on the smoke box however, the four 1960s period photos I have of 4571 all show it having a number plate on the smoke box and it would be nice to add one.  I've had a good search of the 'Net but can't find anyone supplying N gauge smoke box plates?

[Karhedron]

The Dapol model of 4571 with "BRITISH RAILWAYS" lettering represents the livery applied shortly after nationalisation and possibly before smokebox numberplates were attached.

4571 would not still have been wearing this livery in the 1960s so I do not believe this is a fault with the model. You will need to look for photos circa 1950 to tell for sure.

[Karhedron]

Just checking ym own facts and it looks as though 4571 did receive a smokebox number plate while still wearing this livery in 1953.

http://www.warwickshirerailways.com/gwr/gwrsa495.htm

This does not necessarily make the model wrong. It could have received the plate at some date after the livery. I believe the early BR crest was selected in mid-1949 so the "BRITISH RAILWAYS" lettering predates that.

[DWS]

Just checking ym own facts and it looks as though 4571 did receive a smokebox number plate while still wearing this livery in 1953.

http://www.warwickshirerailways.com/gwr/gwrsa495.htm

This does not necessarily make the model wrong. It could have received the plate at some date after the livery. I believe the early BR crest was selected in mid-1949 so the "BRITISH RAILWAYS" lettering predates that.

That's the same photo I have, as you say, smoke box number and 'British Railways' livery.  I'm not saying the model is wrong, just that it would be nice to have the model to represent the available photos. 

[belstone]

Fox Transfers do transfer sheets for smokebox number plates in N.  4571 isn't on their Western sheet so you'll have to cut and shut two plates to get the one you want. Not a problem, I've done it on a couple of locos and it looks fine.

[DWS]

Fox Transfers do transfer sheets for smokebox number plates in N.  4571 isn't on their Western sheet so you'll have to cut and shut two plates to get the one you want. Not a problem, I've done it on a couple of locos and it looks fine.

Thanks for that, I've had a look at the items you suggest and I recon they will do the job nicely.

By the way, I notice that in Dapol's 2014/15 Catalogue they state "Dapol has dusted off some of its old favourites to offer them at special prices..."  Has anyone bought one of these 'Dusted Off' 45xx (2S-014-003) models yet?  If so, how do they run?  Have they been improved in any way compared to the originals?

Thanks

[DWS]

Just had a conversation with the chaps at Rails of Sheffield re: Dapol's new 45xx 4571 'British Railways' livery.

"The model reflects the nationalisation period when the minimum possible was done to reflect the change of ownership from GWR to British Railways.  Number plates were added when the loco was next overhauled.  The number is on the buffer beam".

The number on the buffer beam is not noticable on the photos of the new model, but apparently it's there.  Just thought I'd pass this snippet on.