classy-passenger-locomotive-paint-schemes-from-the-1940s-to-the-1980shttps://www.trains.com/ctr/railroads/locomotives/classy-passenger-locomotive-paint-schemes-from-the-1940s-to-the-1980s/Classy passenger locomotive paint schemes from the 1940s to the 1980s - TrainsIn the days when marketing departments promoted classy passenger locomotive paint schemes, these six stood out.https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/TNQ-1023_05.jpgInStockUSD1.001.00locomotivesrailroadsarticleCTR2023-11-142023-10-04178040
When marketing departments held sway, splashy colors and paint schemes were the order of the day
Locomotive paint schemes
In an era when passengers and passenger trains were an important part of the revenue stream, railroads generally did their best to keep their equipment clean. If the marketing department was going to promote classy passenger locomotive paint schemes, railroaders did their best to make sure the rolling stock shined.
Whenever a list is created on what were some of the greatest paint schemes, Santa Fe’s red and silver warbonnet, New York Central’s two-tone gray, Southern Pacific’s red and orange, and Union Pacific’s Armour Yellow often come to mind. But there were other railroads, many less mentioned, that fielded color schemes just as classy, just as proud.