Rectangular number plates became the new D&RG standard. Many round plates were replaced. Some engines kept or had round plates reapplied. Some with and some with out the brass trim. I suspect 347 was the later.
346 had a rectangular number plate around the turn of the century. See the photos in the book "Locomotive 346 rebirth for the 21st century". Also from the same book "In recognition of the excellent care provided to No.406 by its regularly assigned engineer, the master mechanic authorized installation of a unique round number plate rimmed in brass". This was around the time she received the new steel boiler. Could it be her "original" Baldwin plate? Possibly but very unlikely. More likely it came from another loco.
See the photos below for 454's number plate.
Jeff Taylor
CRRM curator of equipment and rolling stock.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/18/2021 10:28PM by Jeff Taylor.