I remember reading stories in Trains magazine during the 1950s, where a crew member (fireman or head end brakeman) had to change the "bugboard numbers" at the end of the run. Soon, when a tender is mentioned, the thought will go automatically to a piece of boneless chicken.
Except when a company like Champ makes them; I remember seeing 'bugboard' sets in both HO and O scale.
I suspect this may be a 'regional' thing. I too never heard them called anything but numberboards.
ndbprrOn modern engines where they are at roof level they are commonly called bugboards.
I have never once heard that before this post.
If you're looking for decals to fix up a model, they will 100% be called "Numberboards" in the set description(s).
Chris van der Heide
My Algoma Central Railway Modeling Blog
On modern engines where they are at roof level they are commonly called bugboards. You can get 3 different types of decals.
1. Black numbers on white background
2. White numbers on black background
3. Clear number's on black background that can be backlit
DSO17Everybody called them number boards.
Except when they're used as train indicators. UP & SP (and maybe other "Harriman Roads") used them to post the train number. So they might say "12" for train number 12, "2-4" for second section of train number four or "X1234" (X followed by the locomotive number) for Extra (unscheduled train) number 1234.
Here UP locomotive 930 leads train 108
up930_up.jpg (750×580) (railarchive.net)
Big Boy 4003 heads up an extra
181f0dd7a1fb810d6aea11a10b4bd389.png (1000×679) (pinimg.com)
Microscale makes number decals you can use. Other companies also, I am sure.
Ed
Everybody called them number boards.
What is the proper term for this panel indicated below with numbers 274?I have some Stewart F3s/F7s where this is blank, what is good solution for getting decals or dry-transfer numbers for these?
Thanks!