Re: Narrow gauge reporting marks

The ICC required the weight limit and tare weight marks. Normal operating procedure
would require a number, for accounting and invoicing purposes if no other reason.
If the line were captive to one area, and did not interchange, the lettering for
the road could be optional, or at least let go after a while. It was also required
that brake cylinders be marked for time of last inspection/test. Other parts may
have been as well.
In the example of the ET&WNC, lettering was let go in the Forties, but not the
required stuff. If nothing else, a metal plate was nailed to the side of the gondolas,
with number, tare, and limit on it. the car lettering was totally faded out and
gone. ICC rules also required the number to be in various places.
Understanding the ICC rules explains the whys and wheres of a lot of car details.
Johnny Graybeal
Along the ET&WNC book series.