A IS FOR ANY OLD IRON... BARGAINS, FAKES APLENTY

Welcome to a new series introducing the different elements of steam era railwayana. It might not always appear in alphabetical order, but we start with ‘any old iron’. Railway companies would produce many of the items at their works from small items to heavy lumps. Many an enthusiast cut his teeth on wagon or carriage plates that a few years ago were common currency at a fiver or less apiece. While the GWR is well known for its use of brass, they also produced more economical items, such as locomotive cabside plates in cast iron. Normally the latter would cost less than the brass variety, but if it is a rare enough locomotive such guidelines go out of the window. At December’s GCR Stoneleigh sale, a cast iron 9714 cost £250, while a brass 9001 made more than ten times more at £2,750. Shedcode plates have had a good year, with some high prices recorded for rarities, but it’s a case of buyer beware as there are fakes about. You will also find a wide variety of cast works and tender plates, and some non-brass nameplates too. The world of cast iron railway signs is vast, with some collectors seeking out rare casting marks on what could otherwise be considered a common sign. As an alternative to the station totem sign, LNER seatback nameplates have a big following. An example from Castle Howard, a former stop on the York-Scarborough line, made £1,150 at Stoneleigh. You will need a strong wall on which to mount one of the GWR’s highly prized cast signal box names or station running-in nameboards. Unless it is a real rarity, a cast iron rail chair will not be expensive - and it will make a good doorstop - but they are heavy to lift. Don’t break your back - or the bank!