Locomotive Help!

It got me thinking with the new paint schemes will they withstand the time in terms of paint fading?

We'll know in 50 years or so.

Kinda like asking how much it cost to cut down a tree.....Hundreds of answers!!!

Store trains in direct sun, allow to get dusty and dirty....more than likely not.  Treat them rough, handle with greasy hands....no

Otherwise I don't see an issue. 

I agree with AMCDave, direct sun light sure can fade things and rather quickly. I don't know about the other stuff so I can't say there. C.W.B. definitely has it with waiting 50 years, that should do it. Many folks seem to be much more worried about the electronics lasting (or being repairable/replaceable) rather than the paint jobs.

Everything else being equal, and it never is, the new paint will last longer (colors and finish) than the old paint. But, there are so many variables that it is an unanswerable question.

So many things are offered today that could not have been dreamed of in 1935...but, lead-based enamel on sheet steel is pretty tough stuff...but modern acrylics are really, really good, maybe better...no plastic bodies in 1935 (except Bakelite - which didn't like to hold paint)...but sheet steel will rust into nothing if left unattended; good plastics will not...

All of which really makes the point: like "collectible" automobiles, what good are they sitting in a garage? Use them, don't abuse them, and some will last and some will not - but at least you've enjoyed yourself.

The paint they use now is no where what it was  and I am a modern train guy.  I have seen many of modern trains aready faded. They where not even 5 years old ..My basement is dark and the lights are only on when I run trains.