In an old AAR movie from the 40s (Life Line of America) there's a shotof a large mainline steam engine with a crewman oiling around. It'splainly obvious that the main and side rods are painted white, as isthe valve gear. There is glossy black paint around the bearing area.The line between the colors of paint is clearly and carefullydemarcated.In a lifetime of looking at trains I've never seen this before. Doesanyone have a clue as to why that would be done? To make it easier tospot fractures, perhaps?

My uneducated guess: It was done just for the film to make it look good.

White side rods spotted. What gives?

Aug 18, 2010 22 Replies

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David Nebenzahl 15 years ago

On 9/12/2010 10:20 PM Ron House spake thus:

Picked on? Wolf, do you feel "picked on"? My guess is no.

Hey, if that works for you, fine. It's just not default newsreader behavior, is mainly what I was pointing out.

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Wolf K 15 years ago

[...]

No, I don't feel picked on. If I do, I snarl back. ;-)

Have a good day, both of you.

wolf k.

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Lobby Dosser 15 years ago

It's a mental disorder. Best just ignored.

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