How did Lionel finish post war steam loco pilots?

Sometimes they were painted the same flat black as the boiler, other times they used a black oxide treatment.

TRW

The process of chemically blacking zinc is different from steel. Blueing, like is used for guns, is not appropriate.

Black oxide.  Never thought of that.  Thanks!

You can use a cold black oxide refinisher  like Creswel’s black oxide concentrate. Caswell’s black oxide refinishing system works perfectly to exactly duplicate the black finish Lionel used on die cast pilots, freight car side frames, and steel wheels and axles. You have to follow some specific steps when working with black oxide. It is an acid, but it’s a low, low, grade acid. So after the dipping process, you must neutralize, and treat the dipped parts. Caswell’s black oxide concentrate is available in small quantities, and is very inexpensive for the DIY crowd wanting to refresh blackened antique model railroad parts……I use Caswell’s system in the shop almost religiously for both automotive, and model railroading use. Somewhere in the archives of this forum, I did a before and after, and pretty’s sure I did some pilots, pilot trucks, etc,…if it can’t be found, and you guys would like a quick overview and tutorial, I’d be happy to do it, ….it literally takes only minutes to get professional results…..

Pat

I've used black stove polish and was happy with the results!

@PaperTRW posted:

Sometimes they were painted the same flat black as the boiler, other times they used a black oxide treatment.

TRW

I always wished that they had used the oxide treatment for the whole loco, not just some pilots. Looks more substantial and "real" (whatever that means).

Thanks to all who responded, much appreciated!