Shows: Builders' Plates Convention '06

Here are photos from the 2006 Builder's Plate Convention held in Roanoke, Virginia in September of 2006. The convention focused exclusively on locomotive builders' plates and related items such as number plates.This was more than a venue for buying and selling; there were presentations on different aspects of builders' plates and a "display-only" session -- everyone was required to bring two plates to get in. Some real rarities were seen. Following are some photos from the "display only" session, courtesy of Rob Hoffer. Click on the thumbnails for larger images. Some of these are very big files so download time may be **slow** for a modem connection.

Above left to right. Builder's plate from a Baltimore & Ohio Railroad 0-10-0 steam locomotive, one of two built at the B&O's Mt. Clare shops; builder's plate from a Pennsylvania Railroad Class A5s steam locomotive built at the PRR's Juniata Shops; an early builder's plate from a Santa Fe steam locomotive built by the Richmond Locomotive Works; another early builder's plate from a steam locomotive built by the Rome Locomotive Works.
Above left to right. A very early builder's plate from the Lima Locomotive & Machine Company; a builder's plate from a narrow gauge Shay locomotive also built by Lima and used to haul lumber in California; a builder's plate from a Class Y2a steam locomotive built by the Norfolk & Western Railway's own shops -- only a few of this class were built; a number plate from a Union Pacific steam locomotive.
Above left to right. A builder's plate and number plate from the same Rutland Railroad steam locomotive; a display of plates from various electric locomotives of the Pennsylvania Railroad; a builder's plate from a Pennsylvania Railroad Class TI steam locomotive built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works; A display of steam locomotive builders' plates from the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad and Norfolk & Western Railway.
Thanks to Rob Hoffer for Photos! There are plans for another builder's plate convention in 2008.
Above left to right. a plate from a Class Y4 steam locomotive built by the Norfolk & Western Railway; Finally, a real jewel -- a builder's plate from the Norfolk & Western Railway's famous "Jawn Henry" steam turbine locomotive, shown along with an operator's manual.