12-05-2011, 11:32 PM
I ran across the following statement while looking on the net for weathering ideas:
"Painting a freight car is an expensive operation. A good paint job can run in excess of $30,000. Often railroads will spare the expense of painting the roofs of boxcars that will be seldom seen. The steel used does not need to be painted to remain durable. When painting the car sides however, paint overspray can often be seen along the edges."
This is from http://modeltrains.about.com/od/Detailin...-Roofs.htm
I find it difficult to imagine that painting a rail car is going to be anywhere near 30,000 dollars. I researched a bit and a brand new 100 ton boxcar seems to be around $50,000. I can't imagine that half of that would be in a paint job.
Anyone have thoughts?
"Painting a freight car is an expensive operation. A good paint job can run in excess of $30,000. Often railroads will spare the expense of painting the roofs of boxcars that will be seldom seen. The steel used does not need to be painted to remain durable. When painting the car sides however, paint overspray can often be seen along the edges."
This is from http://modeltrains.about.com/od/Detailin...-Roofs.htm
I find it difficult to imagine that painting a rail car is going to be anywhere near 30,000 dollars. I researched a bit and a brand new 100 ton boxcar seems to be around $50,000. I can't imagine that half of that would be in a paint job.
Anyone have thoughts?