Define red.
Bright red like on that barn Rich posted would not have been especially common in railroad use during the 19th century (vermillion driving wheels on some railroads, and some trim striping, was about it). Bright colors tended to be expensive and didn't always hold up all that well under hard wear.
The iron oxide-based, dull red/umber color we associate with boxcars and whatnot was popular because it was both cheap and durable.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/27/2017 11:36AM by James.