3M Scotchlite Markings. Used by C&NW and the Soo LIne.

[Anonymous]

Many Locomotives and Freight Cars have had 3M Scotchlite Markings for high visibility.

3M Scotchlite Markings contain beads that reflect light directly back to the source. This makes it easier to see trains at grade crossings. It also makes it easier for crews to read the road numbers and reporting marks with just a flashlight.

Chicago & North Western had a series of PS-1 40' Boxcars with markings made of 3M Scotchlite built in 1955-1956.

Was 1955 the earliest use of 3M Scotchlite on a series of Freight Cars?

Apparently the Soo Line started using the 3M Scotchlite markings in 1972 on the first ACF Center Flow 3-Bay Covered Hoppers with 4650 Cubic Foot Capacity. Then the Soo Line Railroad commited to a wider application of 3M Scotchlite on all new Covered Hoppers. Any evidence that earlier SOO LINE freight cars had Scotchlite Retroreflective markings?

The first GP38-2 Units for the Soo Line even had the SOO name in Bright Red 3M Scotchlite.

Andrew Falconer

[chad thomas]

Andrew, You might want to check out the latest (I think) issue of the UP Streamliner (the UP historical soc. pub.). It had an article on scotchlight use on the UP.

[Anonymous]

Thank You, Chad, for the information.

I will go to the UP Historical Society Website soon.

Have a Safe Summer by the Tracks.

Andrew Falconer.

[David_Telesha]

And?

The New Haven started to used 3M Scotchlite lettering on its Alpert era paint scheme in the mid-to-late 1950's..

[rrandb]

Again with the large print version. STOP YELLING. We can hear you.[V][B)][banghead][banghead][banghead]

[rvos1979]

At least it's easier for one to read. I take it your eyesight is not the best? Me too.

It's worth noting that 3M has been used for years in the trucking industry to increase visibility, I have noted it catches more light than competitors' versions (which UPS happens to use, most of the trailers Stoughton builds have 3M tape applied). I also own a rain suit, shirt, and vest with the 3M material, and I could see this a lot better than the company supplied reflective wear when I worked for the WSOR.

[Anonymous]

Why is this text so much narrower in the the default setting, but not narrow in the larger setting? I have to know. It looks like a plant that has yet to be watered. You water the plant and then overnight it grows out of the pot and takes over the whole table. There might be too many nutrients in the water, so there are too many nutrients in the font size. All those nutrients in the font sizer makes it grow way too big. That is the cause.

"Jerry Seinfeld"

[Anonymous]

On Burlington Northern Box Cars the reporting marks, road number, and logo were clearly made of a Retroreflective material. Some of the road numbers were painted on and dripped down.

If 3M does produce retroreflective paint, it is not an obvious product on the website. Perhaps somebody else produces retroreflective paint.

Andrew Falconer

[wctransfer]

SOO Line started using Scotchlight on engines before most railroads (few exceptions) did, and i think had them on stuff as early as the GP30's.

Alec