Why are train cars covered in graffiti?

These are the cars’ identity. This information indicates who owns the train car, how much it can carry, its dimensions, maintenance data, and safety information. When covered by graffiti, railroad workers and shippers lose vital information, which can slow work, damage the car or even cause an accident.

When did graffiti start on trains?

The first railroad graffiti, which occurred during the 1920s and particularly during the Depression years of the 1930s, was done by hobos and even some railroad workers. As near to that practice as we can get in the 21st century are the works of “Colossus of Roads”.

What is the point of graffiti?

The purpose of graffiti can be to tell a story; it can be to tell you about a specific moment in time where everything either went bad or good; it can be to tell you about people, politics, culture, art, places and society in general; it can be to express yourself anonymously, it can also be just another act of …

Why do people spray paint on train cars?

Trains look way cooler with it. Also its fun to look at if you are stuck in your car waiting for a train to cross. The main reason though from a graffiti artists perspective is because trains travel all around the world so more people would see your graffiti.

What do the letters on train cars mean?

The letters, known as reporting marks, indicate the owner of the car, while the number places it in the owner’s fleet. Reporting marks ending in X indicate ownership by a private company as opposed to a railroad. In mergers, the new company assumes rights to the old one’s reporting marks.

What is a plate F railcar?

The 50′ hi-roof boxcar fleet is similar to a 50′ standard car with an additional 2 feet of interior height. This is known as a “Plate F” boxcar. They can also be used for similar commodities handled in other 50′ or 60′ boxcars.

What is biting in graffiti?

bite. To steal another graffitist’s ideas, name, lettering or color schemes. Seasoned graffitists will often complain about toys that bite their work.