Rail Car Graffitists

[arbfbe]

So as OneSecondPl espouses, graffiti vandalls create jobs in the rail industry for people who have to repaint the cars and refre***he reporting marks and light weight data as required by the AAR. I wonder if he has noticed this work is done by railroad carpersons either out in the yard or when the cars come into the rip tracks. I also wonder if he as noticed the numbers of carpersons employed by the railroads has dwindled over the last two decades. So now these maintenance workers who will have a limited amount of time with any given freight car will be focused upon repainting the vandall's handiwork instead of looking more closely for broken or bent handrails, grabirons, stirrup steps and other safety appliances as well as thermally cracked wheels, worn brake beams, cracked draft gear, center sills and bolster plates.

So instead of creating more jobs, which is patently false, these insensitive vandalls are creating safety concerns for the railroad inudstry and it's employees. The public may well be endangered should a crack in a car part is painted to satisfy someone's artistic inclination and a safety inspector is unable to view this crack account unnecessarily thick coats of paint over the defect.

Yes, a scourge upon society. Absolutely NO redeeming social values here. Have you ever been to a hardware store where all the spray cans of paint are locked behind a cage? Tell me the store owner doesn't do that account paint losses due to theft.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Keith, I saw those on your website a while back, and was naughty and copied them. I started working to isolate the images so they could be made into decals and transfered to models. Those are some big murals. Must have taken a long time and a lot of paint to do. A big ladder too. They certainly are more interesting than a plain gray car.

It sort of raises an odd and awkward question. If I was to do the isolation work and try to sell decals, you took the photo, and whoever did the painting, who holds the copyright? The answer has to be probably not me. For now any decals are for my own use only.[;)]

Bummer about the passenger car, the 261 could have used another coach. Must have been too far gone.

Our of curiosity, are those heading over to Medusa? I always loved that company's name, Medusa Cement. I think Walthers finally made a kit.[;)]

[kschmidt]

Here some examples of Railroad Graffitti, these cars are typically seen down at the Milwaukee Harbor in cement service. That is where all of them were photographed. I understand that the artist on the 2-bay Cement Hoppers maybe from the Madison, WI area. Due to the (608) area code on the car. Now there photos are 2-3 years old, but they are still around. I did hear that the owner of the hoppers was actually looking for the artist to have him do some more art, with his blessing. I don't know if that is true or not.









Note - The former Milw Road passenger car in the 3rd photo is no longer there it was scrapped earlier this year, unfortunately.

Keith

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68

QUOTE: Originally posted by OneSecondPle
That is just as naive as it is stupid, which I guess can be the same thing. You cant just pin a simliar looking piece of art from a car/canvas. This isnt csi or a serial killer, its an artist. They dont leave dna or anyting behind. There is no hard evidence to snatch them up.

I'll be over to your house tonight. Will a case of spray paint pretty well cover the front?

Be careful Larry, he might live in a box car.[:0][:p][:-,][(-D][(-D][(-D]

I wonder if the Metropolitan Museum of Art has any openings???

I see your point Larry. That makes box cars and hoppers seem like more reasonable alternatives.[;)]

I don't condone or encourage graffiti, railroad or otherwise, but I don't despise it either. I accept the fact that I have no control over it. I try to understand it, and appreciate it for what it is, leaving legality and morality out of the interpretation. Some of it is political, some of it is art, and some of it is crap. Often what you find in museums is no different, except that the venue is socially acceptable.

I suppose if I was to run across someone in the act of tagging something, again railroad or otherwise, I would ask them in a nonjudgemental way, "what are you doing?" I would be genuinely curious to hear the response.

I would probably follow their reply with something like, "don't you have anything better to do?" The goal being to convince them to find an alternative form of expression that isn't illegal. I would not be hasty to call the police, in the hopes that the calm confrontation would give them pause to see the error of their actions. It is not about turning a blind eye to crime, it is about trying to understand the other person and showing some compassion.

Which is more important people or property? Just ask anyone who has survived having their home destroyed by a natural disaster. They have the right perspective, property can be replaced, people can't.

[arbfbe]

Onesecondpie'

Graffiti creates jobs in society? This alleged job creation makes it "a well balanced Wheel"? Have you been smelling the fumes from the cans again? Business should be happy their property gets vandalized forcing them to hire more people? What planet are you recently from? If the graffiti vandals want to do something for their art, I suggest they go to the local newspapers and buy the end of the rolls of newsprint. Then go rent a nice billboard and when you fini***he latest piece of art, hang it on the billboard for all to see. Perhaps some truely talented individuals will get jobs out of this. That way you can use all the paint you can buy and no one else will have to expend time, effort and money trying to erase your prior efforts. I doubt the unemployment rate in the US will sky rocket account the well balanced wheel is thrown out of synch with your point of view.

Be assured if I see any of your friends tagging or artistically modifying freight cars or sturctures at my place of employment, I will report the activity, photograph the activity and happily testify in court if needed. The last idiots brought up in front of the judge for trespassing on railroad property paid $350 plus court costs as a result. Hopefully vandalls will be assessed even more.

Perhaps a little Islamic justice might be brought to bear. Imagine how hard it would be to operate a can of spray paint if the miscreants' thumbs were publicly removed with a scimitar.

[mackb4]

Grant the "artist" who are doing this are invading private property to paint.But I agree that ,if the paint isn't stolen,or the graffti isn't nasty,it is art by expression,without permission.What would railroading be without graffti...dull monoindustrial blocks going down the tracks.Maybe if the railroads would encourage some of these guys to paint murals on some say,grain hoppers,to make them more eye catching.it would kill some of the negativity that railroads produce.I've really seen some nice graffti in my 16 years working for the R.R.I think some people are to uptight about this tipe of thing.Heck where I live in along the Ohiio river,cities commission artist to paint murals on the floodwalls.

[tree68]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68

QUOTE: Originally posted by OneSecondPle
That is just as naive as it is stupid, which I guess can be the same thing. You cant just pin a simliar looking piece of art from a car/canvas. This isnt csi or a serial killer, its an artist. They dont leave dna or anyting behind. There is no hard evidence to snatch them up.

I'll be over to your house tonight. Will a case of spray paint pretty well cover the front?

Be careful Larry, he might live in a box car.[:0][:p][:-,][(-D][(-D][(-D]

I wonder if the Metropolitan Museum of Art has any openings???

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by arbfbe

Well, yes, a lot of the paint is stolen. If the paint is not stolen then the canvas certainly is. Graffiti vandals are a scourge upon society. Those that might have talent are wasting it and making other people's lives more difficult and expensive. Offer me one redeeming social value tagging offers civilization? Just come up with one. Please, just one we can agree upon.

Paint is not stolen, and I would sincerely like to know the basis you have for this assumption. Go for it, I want to know.

As for the society, does it not offer jobs? I'm not saying its right, You all are right, It isnt their property, not in any sense. But, it does offer jobs for society, just as crime in any sense gives a society jobs, its a well balanced wheel.

These people dont generally paint poeples houses, they do have some respect, but like every hobby, some bad eggs, what can ya do. Ya'll are all stuck on one thing, which I'm not trying to change, just give you a light from the other side.

[arbfbe]

Well, yes, a lot of the paint is stolen. If the paint is not stolen then the canvas certainly is. Graffiti vandals are a scourge upon society. Those that might have talent are wasting it and making other people's lives more difficult and expensive. Offer me one redeeming social value tagging offers civilization? Just come up with one. Please, just one we can agree upon.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Lotus098

Methinks this topic will go downhill faster than a Cadillac on skis...

Yep, it has.

James, that's not downhill. Just a small dip in the road.

The poke got both sides of the issue in a single shot, but I still respect Larry's opinion.[:)]

[samfp1943]

MY question would be: If they have no respect for the property of another [Railroads, Buildings, Bridges].. Can it be too far removed that they will make the jump and start "Tagging" prvate home in suburbia? Wouldn't that be creative?

[Anonymous]

Methinks this topic will go downhill faster than a Cadillac on skis...

Yep, it has.




Plenty to go around.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68

QUOTE: Originally posted by OneSecondPle
That is just as naive as it is stupid, which I guess can be the same thing. You cant just pin a simliar looking piece of art from a car/canvas. This isnt csi or a serial killer, its an artist. They dont leave dna or anyting behind. There is no hard evidence to snatch them up.

I'll be over to your house tonight. Will a case of spray paint pretty well cover the front?

Be careful Larry, he might live in a box car.[:0][:p][:-,][(-D][(-D][(-D]

[tree68]

QUOTE: Originally posted by OneSecondPle
That is just as naive as it is stupid, which I guess can be the same thing. You cant just pin a simliar looking piece of art from a car/canvas. This isnt csi or a serial killer, its an artist. They dont leave dna or anyting behind. There is no hard evidence to snatch them up.

I'll be over to your house tonight. Will a case of spray paint pretty well cover the front?

[chad thomas]

QUOTE: Originally posted by OneSecondPle

QUOTE: Originally posted by chad thomas

QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68

I think most of the folks here will turn a blind eye to the old style chalk graffiti, a la Bozo Texino and Kilroy. While one can argue (correctly) that it still damages the finish, and the tagger is trespassing, et al, it's still not as offensive as the work of today's mural "artists. " I mentioned in another thread an auto carrier I saw with the whole side painted. Wonder how he managed to afford all that paint?

It was mentioned that some of these people have had work shown in noted galleries. If they are that good, let 'em do "real" art and leave other people's property alone.

Mabee a few RR cops should attend these "art" showings and press charges. If you are stupid enough to graffitti up a car and then show your work at a public venue you ought to be locked up for a bit.

[b]That is just as naive as it is stupid, which I guess can be the same thing. You cant just pin a simliar looking piece of art from a car/canvas. This isnt csi or a serial killer, its an artist. They dont leave dna or anyting behind. There is no hard evidence to snatch them up.

[:0]Hey there bud, Who you calling stupid? You ever hear of sarcasum? No need to be insulting.[:(!]

Some might call it art, that's opinion. Fact is it's vandalizing private property what ever way you slice it. No, it's not worth the effort to prosecute but that does not mean it's right.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by chad thomas

QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68

I think most of the folks here will turn a blind eye to the old style chalk graffiti, a la Bozo Texino and Kilroy. While one can argue (correctly) that it still damages the finish, and the tagger is trespassing, et al, it's still not as offensive as the work of today's mural "artists. " I mentioned in another thread an auto carrier I saw with the whole side painted. Wonder how he managed to afford all that paint?

It was mentioned that some of these people have had work shown in noted galleries. If they are that good, let 'em do "real" art and leave other people's property alone.

Mabee a few RR cops should attend these "art" showings and press charges. If you are stupid enough to graffitti up a car and then show your work at a public venue you ought to be locked up for a bit.

That is just as naive as it is stupid, which I guess can be the same thing. You cant just pin a simliar looking piece of art from a car/canvas. This isnt csi or a serial killer, its an artist. They dont leave dna or anyting behind. There is no hard evidence to snatch them up.

I flick railroad graffiti a whole lot, I like how it looks, but thats an opinion, I guess I'm more open minded than most people.



Those insuniuating that these people all steal their paint, thats just ignorant, its their lifestyles, much in the same fashion as railfanning is yours. Wouldnt you find it rather ingorant that if people said something like "oh, i wonder how they afford all that camera equipment, stolen...."

That autorack if anyone cares, is a proposal

"will you marry me" the bottom says"







This guy passed away last month, and all his friends did his name, but then again, all graffiti artists are gangsters and care bout nothing, right?

[AlcoRS11Nut]

if its "art" and depicts a seen.....then I am all for it, I do put some on my RR cars to....reality is reality....no matter how ugly it is....

[Trailryder]

I don't normaly photograph graffiti but this one caught my eye back in July 2005,

I believe this is the work of Smokin Joe.

Later

[joegreen]

I love graffiti!, I take photos of cars with graffiti on them all the time.I specialy like the cars with a lot of graffiti on it.

[mackb4]

Working on the RR I see alot of graffti.The one that shocked me the most was an auto rack that was covered from a-b end,and top to bottom.That must of took forever.An old timer that's retired now told me years ago a guy in Portsmouth,Ohio had some of the Graffti cut out of a car at Freemans scrap in NewBoston Ohio.He somehow found out who the artist was and got it autographed.It was one of the more popular ones found on the RR's back in the 60's-70's.Here are some pictures I took while waiting for a passing train to clear me before I could get a signal to leave on in Williamson,WVa on a coal train a few months ago.

[Anonymous]

My wife and I drove from Salt Lake City back to Reno last week. She asked me what the funny looking cars were, ie. the auto carriers. I told her that when I was a kid the cars didn't need protective sides on them because the last thing we would think of doing would be to throw a rock at new cars.

She didn't believe that kids would damage new cars until I reminded her what the Black Muslims we doing in France. 7000 cars burned and the number is still rising.

[Anonymous]

I can't remember the last time I DIDN'T see a boxcar that was both a) free of graffiti and b) from a fallen flag, merely patched over.

[waltersrails]

I don't like railroad graffti though it makes good pics.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by chad thomas

Vic, What really trips me out is these huge paintings (loosely named) that take up entire autorack sides. These guys must carry a ladder and LOTS of paint with them. It makes me wonder how they get so much paint and a ladder to the car without being noticed by the same people that seem to spot every railfan photographer (and drop dime on them).

Chad, you should see some of the places they park auto racks. Very secluded.

As for Buzz Blurr, I managed to catch one of his cars without even noticing when I took the shot. Reporting marks: CNW 612743. I used software to isolate the image and turn it into a line drawing for use on my models.

[chad thomas]

QUOTE: Originally posted by chad thomas

Originally posted by tree68

I think most of the folks here will turn a blind eye to the old style chalk graffiti, a la Bozo Texino and Kilroy. While one can argue (correctly) that it still damages the finish, and the tagger is trespassing, et al, it's still not as offensive as the work of today's mural "artists. " I mentioned in another thread an auto carrier I saw with the whole side painted. Wonder how he managed to afford all that paint?

It was mentioned that some of these people have had work shown in noted galleries. If they are that good, let 'em do "real" art and leave other people's property alone.

Mabee a few RR cops should attend these "art" showings and press charges. If you are stupid enough to graffitti up a car and then show your work at a public venue you ought to be locked up for a bit. Or better yet sentanced to Community service removing graffitti.

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