This smooth, rust-resistant sheet iron was traditionally produced by repeatedly heating, scaling, and hammering iron sheets in bundles with charcoal dust. The process forms a tightly adherent layer of magnetic iron oxide on the surface. It was widely used for locomotive boiler jackets and stovepipes before galvanized steel became common.
Heard on the job
We need to recreate the look of Russia iron for the restoration of this narrow-gauge locomotive boiler.
Insider tip
True Russia iron is almost impossible to source commercially; restorers often substitute planished steel or chemically blued sheets.