D&RGW 223 Wrote:
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> In all of the research I've compiled I have never
> found one single reference to the Rio Grande ever
> instructing anybody to paint cab roofs any color
> different from what the cab walls were painted
> with (e.g. black). No red paints were ever called
> out in any of the lettering and painting diagrams
> that I've handled at the Denver Public Library.
>
> Somebody else may have a document that I have not
> seen that may prove otherwise, but by my judgement
> if any narrow gauge locomotives on the D&RGW
> system had an oxide red roof, it was a rogue
> decision by a local shop or engine crew, not
> anything that the company mandated.
>
> The primary sources that I've seen have been
> compiled on PacificNG:
>
D&RGW 223, in the case of cab being painted black I would agree whole heartedly agree with you. In the case of 340, yes it was a one off done by the Gunnison or Montrose shop.
However the OP I believe was about the earlier D&RG era 1870s-1880s when cabs were other colors besides black, not the post 1924 era.
Kelly Anderson Wrote:
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"Trene" tinplate, and "greedy boards". I can honestly say that I have never heard either of those terms before. Always learning something new on the narrow-gauge discussion board!
Kelly the "terne roof" type system was a very common practice back in the day. The D&RG coaches had this style roof. The Colorado Midland car 111 had one as well till it was removed a few months ago.
Like Eureka I think it more than likely that the early D&RG locomotives had a Terne tin roof since most D&RG locos came from Baldwin, that was the practice back then and as Dan pointed out it requires little to no maintenance. Even though the Terne roof on the coaches were painted(More of a style than for practicality) on a locomotive it would not gain anything.
Greedy boards, coal boards, tender slats, coal pocket extensions maybe another one iv heard all mean and do the same thing.
Jeff Taylor
CRRM curator of equipment and rolling stock.
