Hi Y'all, I'm asking for a little help. I did a search on the site for the proper color of "red" for the cab roof's of steam locomotives. I found that passenger dedicated locomotives roof's were black, and freight were red. Although this could vary depending on the year and whether split service, etc. What I couldn't find was the proper shade of "RED". Is it oxide? Tuscan? Red, red? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks! Manny
Manny I'm curious, where did you find a reference suggesting that there was a standard of passenger locomotives having black roofs and freight locos red? I have been of the impression that the decision was more related to the location where the locomotive was assigned than the type of service to which it was. Gordon
Manny Many thanks for the link back to the earlier thread -- I don't know how I missed the inclusion of the Mechanical Dept. painting instructions, but am very glad to have them. What I don't see, though, is any reference to official use of red for the cab roof, though there is plenty of evidence, both photographic and first-hand memories, to prove otherwise. What I am curious about is the source of your information that freight locomotive cab roofs were directed to be painted red. Was this from a later date than 1945? Gordon
I always thought that the cab roof thing was depending upon where the engine worked out of and what the mechanical folks there decreed. It looks like a lot of engines working in the southwest had red cab roofs, perhaps to reflect the hot sun? I've seen proof of both freight and passenger engines with red roofs. Like a lot of things, I guess until I see it in writing, I'll go with my idea.
