Blackening Locomotive Wheels [Revisited]

I'm afraid that I use paint. Easy touch-up when it chips, though.

I use a high-quality flat black acrylic paint (I get it at Hobby Lobby - I forget the brand - it is not the inexpensive "craft paint"; I find it in either the model or art section) applied with a small brush and patience. I turn the drivers by hand (remove the boiler) or by running it on the track to expose the bare areas until they go away.

Don't forget the leading truck axle centers and the handrails/cut bars - these should not be bright, either. Then give the whole loco some Dullcote. 

The factory process is some sort of blueing or anodizing, I guess. Even then it often looks shiny.

 A few folks recommended NeoLube but others disagreed due to the risk of getting lubricate/graphite on the rails

I have Neolube on hand to use as a lubricant.
It is basically graphite suspended in a thermoplastic resin.
My experience and the site says it does not migrate.
It will stick things together (don't ask how I know).

I wouldn't put it on the parts of the wheel that contact the rail, otherwise I think you will be OK.

Here are links to the Neolube website,  Neolube #1    Neolube #2

I believe I purchased mine from Micromark, they sell Neolube #2.

Hey guys,

I went ahead and tackled the project using Tamiya acrylic black paint.  I had some semi gloss on-hand so I dove in with that - were I to do this again (and be more patient), I would have used a flat or satin black, but the semigloss isn't too noticeable.  I'm pretty happy with the result - it's amazing how eliminating the polished silver bits adds an element of realism and "modernizes" the model.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I had a bit of Testors flat red on hand as well so I touched up the valves in the cab of the locomotive:

Neo-lube here......love it.

Indeed, it never ceases to amaze how much better that looks - good job. 

The Neolube looks great, too. I have used it in the past, but haven't lately. Not sure why.

Now, if you decide to do a lille weathering (too late to go back now!), paint the rods black, too. Then Dullcote the entire loco (cover the drivers for this - it'll leave "rod marks" unless they're turning) and tender; get some brush-on weathering pigments from Bragdon's and have a go. I prefer this method to airbrushing. Easy, friendly, no real cleanup, hard to over-do it. Especially good for first-timers. 

I think I'm going to pick up some neolube for the pushrods - that decapod looks great @AMCDave

I have an older Lionel NW switcher that I want to darken the wheels, including the flanges. I recall some folks mentioning gun "bluing"  processes to darken metal. I was going to go to a gunsmith and see what suggestions he might make. I hope it just involves the application of some chemical.