There seems to be some confusion as to what constitutes ‘etched plates’. My understanding is that they are made from thin metal sheet, usually copper or steel, which have been dipped in an acid solution. Printing an image of the name or number onto the metal plate ensures that only the exposed or non printed areas of the plate are etched by the acid, leaving the original letters or numbers standing out in relief.

Some early Jackson Evans Etched Plates

I have been fitting etched plates to my model engines for quite some time.

Dapol 14xx with I think Kings X Plates

The picture above of the Dapol 14xx illustrates clearly how the numbers on the etched metal plate stand proud from the background of the plate.

In the early 1980s I used to buy Kings X plates - these came on one sheet of metal and required the use of nail scissors and files to cut them to shape. Cutting the ‘reverse’ curves beneath the curved name plate was always a challenge.

Airfix Pendennis Castle renamed 7037 Swindon

Later I graduated to Jackson Evans plates which were etched in such a way that the individual plates could be easily separated from the surround as shown above in my first picture.

In the early days I used PVA to attach my plates on the assumption that I would be able to wash off any surplus adhesive and at a later date I could perhaps remove the plates. (In practice PVA does not make a good bond between metal and plastic and the plates can be readily prised away – the difficulty comes in removing the dry PVA.)

Airfix must have made ‘millions’ of Castles and I remember buying two or three from Hattons when they were selling them off, all of which were renamed with either Kings X or Jackson Evans plates.

Airfix Pendennis Castle renamed 7037 Swindon

My sole surviving Airfix Castle is renamed Swindon but I cannot now remember whether the plates were Jackson Evans or Kings X – it was some time ago.

Dapol County (of Stafford) with Jackson Evans Plates

It wasn’t just Airfix Castles that got the ‘treatment’ but also Dapol Counties!

Dapol County (of Stafford) with Jackson Evans Plates

After Airfix, came Mainline and then Bachmann.

Bachmann ‘Seagull’ with Bachmann etched plates

From time to time Bachmann models were produced and supplied with etched plates – certainly A4s such as Seagull and Guillemot came with etched plates as standard, as did special editions such as Sir Nigel Gresley and the pair of Mallards, not forgetting Silver Fox in the Elizabethan boxed set.

Bachmann ‘Seagull’ etched works plate

In addition to etched name plates the Bachmann A4s came with etched works plates to fit beneath the engine number on the side of the cab.

Bachmann etched plates for Evening Star

Bachmann still provide etched plates with ‘special’ models, one such being Evening Star. The view above shows the ‘fret’ before cutting out the plates.

Bachmann Evening Star with Fox etched plates

My first Bachmann Evening Star came off that well known auction site – minus etched plates, which were sourced instead from Fox Plates.

Hornby R3191 Duke of Gloucester ‘Special Edition’

Hornby have recently started to market ‘Special Edition’ engines with supposedly ‘etched plates.

Hornby plastic imitation supposed ‘etched plates’

Hornby pretend etched plates seem to be rather poorly made plastic imitations.

My Duke of Gloucester with Model Master / Jackson proper etched plates

As you will see I have fitted my Duke of Gloucester with Jackson plates from Model Master. I have experimented and they are attached with some narrow double sided tape (borrowed from my wife's store of craft materials).

In my view Hornby with their imitation plastic ‘etched plates’ are either incompetent or at worst dishonest. I think it is time that they clarified their position and hopefully put their house in order.