I have a lot of photos of depots in this time frame and am also curious about the color separation line. Some photos show a lighter color on the lower section and some appear to be darker on the lower section. I think some of it may be due to the direction of the sun in relation to the photo.
I heard a story from Jim Reisdorf who had talked to a painter who used to work for the Q and he told Jim they used to put sand in the paint on the lower part to prevent windblown dirt and sand from wearing the paint. I am guessing that this may have changed the reflective quality of the paint such as it appears to be a different shade. Would also be interested in an answer to this as to the best of my knowledge they were always painted the standard colors.
Gene Tacey
From: CBQ@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CBQ@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Art Peterson
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 10:06 AM
To: cbq@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CBQ] CB&Q depots
I am working with real photo postcards of CB&Q depots of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is apparent that most of the wooden buildings were painted with a darker color to about five feet above the ground with a lighter color above that. If anyone has information on what these colors were, I would appreciate hearing from you.