nice

@Ardashir  
I could definitely see that happening. The main thing, however, is that I figure that the dragons would expect to be paid very well for their help.
 
Then again, if/when the railroad and ironworking industries grow widespread or profitable enough, the benefits of hiring dragons to help speed the processes along might certainly outweigh the costs of what you’re going to have to pay them.

@Frustration in Excelsis  
Say, something else dragon and metallurgy related from what a friend told me.
 
Equestria has a rail system. This means or implies that they also have developed industries in transport, lumbering, and metalworking/steel mills among others just to get the supplies they need to build those railroads. They will need a LOT of iron and steel and to work it at high levels of heat, like how Pennsylvania used to with the anthracite coal.
 
In Equestria dragons can provide most of those all by themselves. The can dig up the iron, they provide the heat, they can shape the metal with their own claws.
 
Does it sound plausible that dragons could be involved with Equestria’s iron and steel industries, or will be involved in the future?

@Frustration in Excelsis  
Those are fine answers, all. Thank you for sharing them.

@Ardashir
 

 
Considering the kind of creatures and hazards they faced in the Gauntlet – and the kinds of predators that going by “Molt Down” apparently go after young dragons – I would argue that some degree of protection might be desirable for at least the youngsters.
 
Alternatively: what can hurt a dragon? Another dragon.
 

 
I actually happen to have a somewhat involved headcanon on the subject – which is in long form here – but I figure that given a) the dragons’ fire being canonically capable of melting metal, b) their own invulnerability to immensely high temperatures, and c) the likelihood of turning up large amounts of iron, copper, and other non-precious metals when digging for gold and gems or sacking towns, the dragons likely make it themselves. They could likely melt and heat the metal with their flames, mix different kinds to make alloys and shape it with their own claws and fists – old dragons may even become very knowledgeable smiths, over time.

Prom looks cute in her armor.
 
And I wonder: why do dragons wear armor at all when they’re already nearly invulnerable? And who makes it for them?