Were handrails on UP Geeps and SD's painted white up to the first stanchion during the period the "We Can Handle It" slogan was used? Were the uncoupler levers also painted white? What color were the handrails painted during the period the "Dependable Transportation" slogan was used? Were they all gray? Also, what color were handrails and grabirons on UP cabooses painted? In some photos it appears to be red. Any help would be appreciated.
I have looked through some of my photos and it is difficult to determine for sure because the engine was so weathered and dirty. It does appear, however, that the "We Can Handle It" slogan engine had gray in the places in question. (Dirt and grime may have obscured the white, but it does appear to be more gray than white.) In looking through my book on the UP engines 1977-1980, it appears that individual engines may have varied. Some are in gray and others were painted white. Again it is difficult to tell sometimes because the pictures are in black and white. More often than not, gray seems to be the color. I was not able to find any of "Dependable Transportion" vintage in my personal collection. The ones in the UP engine roster book appear to be gray also. In all the caboose pictures that I have the handrails are all red. Hope this has helped. ------------------ Rett
UP Guy, thanks for the reply. From other e-mails I've received it does seem that the color of the handrails varies from unit to unit. It seems that the Dependable Transportation scheme had gray handrails. As you mentioned it does appear that the cabooses (cabeese?) had red handrails. Thanks again.
