Trains.com

Why the Red Chassis?

2135 views
2 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
AltonFan
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: US
  • 1,522 posts
Why the Red Chassis?
Posted by AltonFan on Monday, February 4, 2008 8:27 PM

A question for the European railway experts:

Was there a practical reason that continental European railways preferred to paint the running gear on their steam locomotives red?

Dan

Report Abuse Back to Top
FTGT725
  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Mooresville, NC
  • 90 posts
Posted by FTGT725 on Monday, February 4, 2008 9:48 PM
I read in Trains a few years ago it was a safety issue. It made cracks in the wheels or chassis easier to spot.
In my experience, the light at the end of the tunnel is usually the train.
Report Abuse Back to Top
vsmith
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 5:20 PM
Also visability to some degree, makes locomotives much easier to be aware of.

   Have fun with your trains

Report Abuse Back to Top

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
THE magazine of railroading
MAGAZINE
NEWS
RAILROADS
BLOGS & FORUMS
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
LOCOMOTIVES
SHOP
CONNECT WITH US Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter
More great sites from Kalmbach Media
Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy