Cabside numbers

[silverfox]

Does anyone know the size of the numbers used on the Ex LNER B17 in BR days?

I have found out that the corporate image wasn't as rigid as it seems

[don9f]

Hi, if it’s any help, this is reproduced from one of my books, although it’s specific to the BR Standards:-

“Most Works used 8in. high numerals for cab-side numbers but there were some variations. Swindon used 9in. and Darlington and Cowlairs used 10in., while Doncaster appears to have used 8in. for Class 4 2-6-0s and 10in. for Class 5s! 2-6-4 tanks and 9Fs”.

Sorry it doesn’t mention B17s but someone else may know? Failing that, could you scale off a photo?

Cheers   Don

[silverfox]

Don

Thanks

However as i am usually first in the queue to comment 'to myself' the incorrect use of transfers etc on models,i do not wish to be attached to the petarde i have when my one goes on show.
So getting it right is a must!

[Deleted]

Hi Ron

Scaling from a photo is very accurate, very accurate indeed...you need a 'square on' view, no angles involved at all. Then with a know dimension in full size, you can work out the size of the cab letters and scale accordingly.

Kind regards

Pete

[barlowworks]

Unable to find a difinitive drawing of the numbers in BR days but a quick look at Yeadons register shows all the B17s in BR livery had the same size numbers. I know it's not much help but it narrows it down a little bit. Using a bit of lateral thinking, as they were green would something like green arrow be painted in the same livery. If we could find the size of those numbers it would give a good Idea of the B17 numbers.

I would be interested in what you find out as I have an O gauge kit to make 61661 Sheffield Wednesday on the shelf intimidating me.

Mike

p.s. You could use Pete's avatar photo at a pinch. You just need the length from his elbow to the top of his head. 

[92220]

The BR cab numbers were transfers and came in 3 sizes 8", 9" and 10" as Don says above. Because they were transfers these were the only variations. As Pete says, find a square - on cabside view and scale it. Don't worry about fullsize dimensions. From the cabside view you can get the proportion of the numbers to the cabside height below the windows, and then you can use that same proportion against your model cabside. That will give you an accurate final size of numbers for the model.

Bob.

Transfers may be available from Phoenix Precision. I don't know what their range is these days. Don't forget that the fullsize numbers were Cream with a 1/8" Black line all around. Be careful what you buy. There are transfers on the market that are listed as BR transfers but the Black line has been omitted from the transfers to simplify the printing process. They just don't look right when in place.

Bob.