Does anyone know how the Lionel post war steamchests were colored black? Were they chemically blackened or painted? Most if not all the ones I’ve seen have a different look than the black painted shells.
Jim
Jim,
I’m guessing that if the engine was painted, then the smoke box would be painted too. Same way for if it was chemically applied.
Jim,
To my knowledge, most steamchests were chemically blackened. I’m not quite sure how the process would work for zinc, but I’ll do some digging and see if I can find out how.
I have once or twice seen painted black steam chests, but generally only on restored engines.
Thanks, Ben. I have a restored 2025 that was beautifully done. The steam chest on that was painted flat black. It looks great, and for the most part, close to what ever the original look was. But it doesn’t look 100% original. Sort of the same way dry transfer cab numbers look.
Jim
Hi,
I just finished up a post war 1615. As far as I know the loco was all original when I got it. The steam chest was chemically darkened, it was not painted. I used gun blue on it to even out the color and did not paint it. It looks good to me but I am not a purist. Just enjoy fixing up clunkers.
Gun blue darkened the steam chest on your 1615? Thanks for the input! I was hoping that would be the solution.
Jim
Search for keyword “blackening”.
I have never seen a painted pilot and steamchest on an original postwar Lionel loco. they are all chemically blackened but some are closer to the boiler’s painted color than others. These of course are more desirable.
Mike S.
When I restored postwar steamers I would use a product called “Tool Black” available from MSCDirect.com. First the steam chest must be cleaned of any residual oil on the surface by washing in detergent and water. Then it’s dropped in a jar of “Tool Black” until you get the desired color. Rinse and dry well and then wipe with a rag moistened with a little 3 in 1 oil. The oil coating keeps the surface from oxidizing. ( That white powdery stuff you see on diecast at times). This finish closely matches the semigloss paint of Postwar Boilers.
A short cut for touch ups!
Sanford’s “Sharpie” felt tip line includes a “Sharpie Industrial” Super Permanent Ink marker. It’s designed for marking metal. (you know, the measurements you see marked out on steel plates on construction job sites). It can be bought at “Staples”
Great responses, everyone! Bob, I took your advice and ordered a couple bottles of blackening fluid from MicroMark. They claim the fluid I ordered will blacken any metal except aluminum and stainless steel.
Jim