How common was it...

[ICG/SOU]

for prototypes to paint their trucks? I've seen many cars, but none have had painted trucks, unless they were painted so long ago that the paint has worn off, or they were in a museum or park.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ALCOS4EVER]

I know this applies to the wheels and couplers and it may apply to the truck frames and springs as well but painting them is prohibited by federal railroad regulations because it might conceal cracks or other defects.

 

[MRLdave]

I think most truck frames on locos are painted.....seen silver, black, BNSF green,ect. My guess is most truck frames on cars are also painted when new, or whenever they make it to the paint shop, which is usually a lot less often than engines. But with brake dust and road grime they don't look shiny for any length of time...add in some rust as they get older and it's pretty hard to tell.