Aware Tiger Engine

[Ike the BN Freak]

Along with the couplers and wheels, from what I can recall, couplers and wheels shouldn't be painted as the paint can hide flaws in the metal.

[jpwisc]

Along with the couplers and wheels, from what I can recall, couplers and wheels shouldn't be painted as the paint can hide flaws in the metal.

It's not that big a deal. I've seen the shop UP is sending this engine to paint over wheel faces before. If they hit the flat of the wheel the brakes will scrape it off fast. Most wheel and coupler defects are found after a break. UP does rolling wheel checks in a massing shed in North Platte. Paint doesn't affect that inspection process.

[C855B]

... UP does rolling wheel checks in a massive shed in North Platte. ...

Yes. Was privileged to tour it shortly after it went into service. They actually call it "the crack house". 

[Xmtrman]

How excited would you guys be if the surface was, say, the front of your house, instead of a locomotive?

I find this glorification of vandalism disgusting; prototype or model.

[jagged ben]

I wouldn't necessarily mind having an artfully painted house.  Or vehicle. 

My wife might disagree.