Where to Find Photos? - Transition Era

Hi,

I would like to start weathering my Transition Era, 1940-1950s, rolling stock, however I have not had any luck finding color pictures of cars from that era that were photographed during that timeframe, that would show the weathering effects after being in service for a short period of time. Could someone suggest a website(s) that would have pictures of these cars taken in the 1940s-1950s?

Thanks,
Hansel

 

Try this site:
Box Car Rolling Stock - NE Rails

 

One excellent site is http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/. Most photos from that era are black & white, but you will find some color pics.

 

Thanks.

After looking at these photos and photos of modern rolling stock, I am wondering why the newer cars look more weathered? Did they use better paint back then? I bet it had lead in the paint!

 

Try this one too.

Steam Era Freight Cars

 

Not sure what you're looking at. But no, they didn't use better paint back then, although I'm quite sure it was plenty toxic. Blues tended to turn greenish, dark green turned light green, reds turned pink or orange, and browns faded as well.

 

Ah, you mean pictures like this


It came from within the Flickr Library of Congress 1930's-40s in Color set well worth browsing.

or how about a promotional film made by SP Part one and Part two

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Alan