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Why black?

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Kevin

May 18, 2006 11:30AM

Given that steam locomotives were painted such a variety of colors prior to the turn of the century, why did railroads switch to black paint?
I understand that it made economic sense to switch to ONE color, but why black?
Does black last longer than other colors? Was it due to the soot, thus less expense in cleaning the locomotives due to not being able to see the soot?
Thanks.

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Subject	Author	Posted
Why black?	Kevin	May 18, 2006 11:30AM
Re: Why black?	creeker	May 18, 2006 12:12PM
Re: Why black?	Roger Mitchell	May 18, 2006 12:36PM
Re: Why black?	Herb Kelsey	May 18, 2006 04:31PM
Re: Why black?	Chris Holombo	May 19, 2006 11:22PM
Re: Why black?	Jerry Halbert	May 20, 2006 01:57AM
Re: Why black?	Brian Norden	May 18, 2006 06:45PM
Re: Why black?	stuart olson	May 18, 2006 08:31PM
Re: Why black?	Ted Miles	May 18, 2006 09:31PM
Re: Why black?	Ron Keagle	May 18, 2006 10:38PM
Re: Why Red?	Paul D	May 19, 2006 03:38AM
Re: Why black?	Paul Gibbs	May 19, 2006 06:38AM
Re: Why black?	Paul D	May 20, 2006 10:05AM
Re: Why black?	Jerry Halbert	May 20, 2006 02:03AM

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488 stops for water at Los Pinos tank on closing day Oct. 1979. Photo courtesy Don Richter

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