Steam & Excursion > Steam Locomotives Sometimes Needed This Paint To Stand Out!

It's hard to believe that a steam locomotive could need special paint to help it to stand out and be more visible. However, many times railroads did in fact add such paint simply to make them more visible.

In the first photo we see Fruit Growers Supply 2-6-0 #1 backing out of the woods near Halls Flat, California in May 1950. When we look down the track you can see that if it were not for the special silver paint applied to the rear of her tender that she actually could blend in with the shadows of the surrounding trees.

The second photo, taken that same day, also by Doug Richter, shows even more vividly the enhanced visibility that this silver paint gives her. If her smoke and whistle is not enough, this extra paint should make sure she is seen at every crossing!

Martin



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 07/21/17 03:26 by LoggerHogger.

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I think that doghouse is sitting on the oil bunker. Sure gives it a very tall look.

That's not a dog house, it's a crows nest!

I'm willing to bet cash money that the silver paint on the back of the tender is the direct result of a grade crossing accident where the train backed over some idiot.