Painting loco side rods

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I have a bunch of postwar locos that need their side rods “reconditioned”. Some have the nickel/zinc plating on them worn off. I was wondering what paint I might use to make them look nice. I know the real locos were pretty much a dull, silver-grey color after a period of time. I want something a little more “flashier” so that the linkage is a bit more visible when moving. I saw some “chrome” paint at the hardware store. Wondered if anyone had any experience with it? I wouldn’t mind them looking like the new Williams steam locos…

!(http://i.ebayimg.com/21/!CDuLTGgCWk~$(KGrHqYOKnEEz2p9dSHKBNPhRZzhrw~~_12.JPG)

2

Rather than paint them, I’d just replace them with new repos.

3

My money tree died last year. [:D]

This isn’t just one loco. It’s one 665, two 646s, and a 736. Just for the 736 it’s a consider amount of cash to spend.