08-18-2011, 08:02 PM
I'm not sure, but I don't think white paint wold make an appreciable difference in the Mojave Desert. Temps are frequently above 130 degrees f, and as the sun bakes the rails, they will actually pick up solar gain. On a 100 degree day it is not uncommon for temps of objects sitting in the sun to reach temps above 140 degrees. That is why all temperatures are recorded as "in the shade." Items sitting in the shade will show an accurate temp, but items sitting in the sun will always show some sort of solar gain depending on how high the temp and how long they have been in the sun.