Re: Story with round number plates

Information that I have was that the 454 & 458 both retained their original front baldwin number plates during their careers on the D&RG/D&RGW. I have heard from several sources that the 458 number plate was scrapped after it arrived in Mexico. The 454 maintained its baldwin number plate right up to its very end. The plate was purchased from the Rio Grande by Jackson Thode in 1953(?) prior to it being scrapped but, after it's fire was dropped for the last time. I have the original bill of sale from the Rio Grande and can actually give an exact date if anyone is interested in that information. The plate is in a private collection and the owner would someday like to see it placed on the 463 for a trip or two. Although techically the 463 isn't exactly the sames as the 454, it would be be nice to see the resurrection of the 454, at least for a day or two. Other engines did have round number plates, the 456 for example but, those plates were not the baldwin number plates. I would assume they were plates cast by the D&RGW. Best Regards to all!