Did Lionel use different versions of these wheels on their steamers? Here’s what I mean. I’m looking to purchase an early version 675 steamer with Baldwin wheels and an aluminum stack. The seller sent me plenty of photos and it looks like the Baldwin wheels have a dull cast-like finish. I’ve looked at photos of other PW steamers with Baldwin wheels and from the photos the wheels look like they have a glossy black finish.
To keep costs down Lionel probally just painted the wheels black. Baldwin made wheels for the real steam locomotives so the quality should be very good, won’t fall apart easy or get grooves in the wheels that easy.
My pre war steam loco a 224E the wheels are shiney where they meet the rail but not that much wear after 60 years or better.
Baldwin, to my knowledge, did not make the wheels for Lionel. Lionel made the wheels and put the Baldwin name on it as they did with GE, FM nd others on other trains and parts.
The wheels were all chemically blackened. Factors such as storage, and even the day the metal was cast could effect their finish today. They should not be glossy black. Perhaps someone got oil on them or they have been painted since they left the factory. I looked at all my prewar and postwar steamers with these wheels and they all have a dull or in the best case a semi-satin finish.
Great locos the 2025/675. In a couple of hours time I am heading off to our annual trainshow and the 2025 (wheels not glossy) will be doing its stuff over the next 2 days. This time it will be hauling prewar stock. Its smoking and whistling is always popular. Shame but no one reading this will be able to come and run trains with us - thats because I am in New Zealand!