I spotted this in an antique shop today. Any idea what it is and an approximate value (I don't want to over pay)? They have a price of $50.00 on it.
Thanks everyone in advance!
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That's RR Hieroglyphics for "Do Not Remove This Placard Under Penalty Of Law" 
That is a builders plate for a piece of rolling stock with an air brake diagram.
Gilly
Originally Posted by Gilly@N&W:
That is a builders plate for a piece of rolling stock with an air brake diagram.
Gilly
I think it represents the mechanical brake linkage from the air brake cylinder. The shaft extends from an air brake cylinder to apply the brakes and the force is transmitted through linkage to the trucks. Very interesting to see it on a cast plate.
Thanks all. I purchased for the future train room!
That is a badge plate. It is required by the AAR so if a car is wrecked any shop can get the brake rigging reassembled with the correct lever ratios. The cast iron plates have not been used for quite a while. There were some cast aluminum plates out there, but now they are mostly etched stainless steel.
Here 's answer from the N&W/Virginian Historical Society.
Car diagram for the mechanical brake rods. As to type of car, we are unable to determine this. This plate or one similar has been through this process about two years ago.
Gary Rolih
INFO at N&WHS
Thanks Scott! I had no idea this plate, or one simliar to it, had been through this process before.
Originally Posted by scott.smith:
Here 's answer from the N&W/Virginian Historical Society.
Car diagram for the mechanical brake rods. As to type of car, we are unable to determine this. This plate or one similar has been through this process about two years ago.
Gary Rolih
INFO at N&WHS
Its a relic from the space ship of aliens, who accidently left it on earth as thy were departing. LOL
Mark
