In the old classic railroad days the most commonly used font for locomotives and rolling stock was called "Railroad Roman". If you look at any photos from the old days you'll see it and recognize it immediately.
Nowadays, it looks like anything goes as long as it legible and recognizeable.
I don't know the answer to your question. However I do notice that Amtrak uses a fairly dark blue color on a white background. This makes the name easily readable unlike a lot of other print I see today.
I am in the graphics industry and for years have been a supplier to various railroads and car builders for their decals.
Most corporations today use a specific logo which has been developed for their branding. There is a strict compliance associated with the use of the logo, colors, fonts, etc.
About 8 years ago Union Tank Car moved to a specific fontstyle which was closely associated with their hertitage "stencil" font. Their UTLX logo on tank cars looked like their stencil style of previous years.
When UTC closed their East Chicago manufacturing plant about 5 years ago, my contact with them pretty much ended and I am not sure what they are doing today.
Ed
Same as anywhere else, different fonts for different things at different times. Often suggested and used by an advertising executive or agency...yes, they've been around a long, long time. One constant was large and clear images were needed so that carmen and trainmen could readily identify them, and numbers on locomotives had to be seen and not confused by operators, agents, towermen, engineers, or train crews either for schedules and safety. Even penmanship was important when writing messages and train orders and keeping records. I know I'd be disqualified in tower, dispatching and agency work on my handwriting alone!
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For logos, keep in mind that the type is often designed or modified for the sole purpose of the logo, and are never used elsewhere. I don't know about the Acela logo, but it could be that the only characters created are the a, c, e, and l, since they are the only ones ever used in the logo.
Deggesty I have no idea, but I do know that it is not Dingbats. Who would use such a font?
I have no idea, but I do know that it is not Dingbats. Who would use such a font?
Professional dingbats
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
You might try this site or one similar to it:
http://www.myfonts.com/WhatTheFont/
Johnny
I'm curious as to what fonts railroads use in their logos and various other markings. All I could figure out was that UP uses 'Futura' and 'Cityof', but I couldn't find any others. Specifically, Canadian Pacific, BNSF and Amtrak are what I'm looking for.
The one I want to know the most is for Amtrak's Acela... That would make me very happy.
But if you know any, even if they're not mentioned, that would be great.
Thanks,
Acela
The timbers beneath the rails are not the only ties that bind on the railroad. --Robert S. McGonigal
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