Are you aware that in 1943, steel pennies were issued by the US Mint because of the shortage of brass? This was the same deal for non-essential uses on steam locomotives. Baldwin issued cast iron builders plates for a year or so, rather than brass, so did Altoona. I have a cast iron J1A from 1943. Alco had been using cast iron since the 1920's, anyway. Lima frequently issued cast iron diamond builders plates for a time in 1943 and 1944 - but not continuously. I have an original diamond from NKP 743 that is cast iron but also have an original from NKP 754 that is brass. At least the second batch of NKP S-2's (755-769) were built with cast iron or steel bells. This is the same one that was on the 765 in Lawton Park until she came out of the Park in the mid 70's and that is what she again carries today, the original "War Baby" bell. The NKP painted them yellow.
During 1979-1993 she carried a brass PRR GG-1 bell long since returned to the owner.
