looking for opinions for blackening side rods

Neolube cab be removed.  Blacken It is a chemical oxidizer.  You need to be very, very careful with it.

Try the Neolube first.  As mentioned by Chuck, you can remove it if you don't like it.  Blacken-It is pretty permanent. 

I have an engine whose prototype had white sidewalls, so I painted them.  It wasn't too hard to do. I think that would look better than chrome tires..

NeoLube.........

Before........

After........

I really like it....but it ain't cheap.....and I spilled one jar not long after opening it.....

white painted wheel rims have a practical use in being able to pick up hairline cracks in the wheels much more easily.  no matter how small, a crack in the metal will soon start to rust which will quickly become visible against the white rim.

Neo Lube is also a lubricant. Blacken and lube at the same time.

Steve

Neolube - absolutely.  As AMCDave says, it is not cheap.  But one bottle goes a long way.  Fantastic results, as his photo shows.

Please note: when you open the bottle, the cap has a big brush attached to it that projects down into the bottle.  It you are unaware of this and just open and pull the top off, well, you can/will spill and splash the stuff all over.   

I just use a simple black wash. It looks good and is easy to do.

...keep the rails polished..

NeoLube works great. As a side note, I have also used it on my center rail of track to knock down the NS shine after cleaning track if the black coating gets removed.

What preparation do you have to do on the surface before applying this stuff?

I use a two step process. Grab a box of cotton swabs, 92% alcohol and NeoLube. I dip a swab in alcohol and wipe down the areas I want to treat. I start on one side and work my way around. Then go back and do the same thing with a swab dipped in NeoLube. I find the first coat gets about 80% coverage and I then go over once more where needed.  Air dry for 30 minutes or so....done.

NeoLube will rub off...so if you do the handrails be careful around them. Good luck!

Read my post right above yours.....rubs off if handled....

I cheated and just apinted mine flat black paint after a good cleaning......

....why not a flat lacquer clear cote after the neolube to seal it?...or can't you do that with the stuff?

Since Neo Lube is a lubricant I don't believe there is anything you could seal it with. If you want a more permanent black color that does not rub off I would suggest painting with several thinned coats of black till you like the results or use Blacken It.