Joel,

I've noticed the same thing (washed out VGN lettering) on the hoppers that appeared in photos from the Winona [IN] railroad in the mid to late '40s. I haven't been able to determine the VGN car numbers on any of the photos yet, and have struggled seeing all the VGN lettering as well.

Ive noticed in all the NewEngland rail books in my library that any
photo of a freight train having a VGN hopper (mostly quad hoppers)that
the lettering is ALWAYS washed out...the photos are(or were taken)in
the late 1940's into middle 1950's.Did this railroad use low grade paint
or was it the nature of the coal(high sulfur?)or just a poor railroad?
Other then builders photos has any seen photos of this railroads coal
hoppers with the lettering not washed out??

Mark Plank

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