New to O scale and subways, started with the new R-26

That is definitely not normal.  This looks like a welllll use set.  I have six of these sets and none have that    The missing paint on the bottom of the car looks like its from picking the unit up too many times   Hand wear

Thank you for taking a look! I took a few extra pictures this morning with better lighting, its more visible (Will include an album link too so you can see them in full size):

http://imgur.com/a/d0M20

I was concerned because as you mentioned, I haven't seen paint defects like this in all the pictures I've seen of these sets or the handful of times I've seen them in person. For reference, I received this set from Mario's Trains on 11/6/15 and it appeared to be brand new and sealed. I removed it from the box and put the cars on the shelf for display taking care to only touch the chassis/ underbody.

If you are using DCS what is the chrono and odometer reading

Unfortunately I don't have track or anything to even power the train up with now. I was planning on building a diorama until I have space for an actual layout.

I suppose I'll shoot an email off to MTH and see what they say. Maybe also track someone local down who can take a look and power it up for me.

Edit- Submitted a ticket with MTH, lets see what they say.

It looks like box rub to me.  I think that many of these models are packed in China or Korea before the paint has had time to cure properly.  There is one photo where the rivets on the bottom skirt of the car side clearly have been rubbed to primer, but you can also see a larger swath of rub that has slightly dulled the "Gunn" red paint on the smooth car side.  I think it is the same issue with the black marker light edges on the car end sign bonnets.  I had a minor case of this (rub of marker light edge) on a R-17 set of mine (I just ended up touching it up - it was the "fox" red set from years back).  I wouldn't say it is "normal", but I think it does happen.  I don't think that it is an indication that the set is used.  If it really bothers you, contact the dealer or MTH.  They should make good on this, as I do think it is (albeit a minor one) manufacturing defect.  Otherwise, you can try touching it up yourself.  The end sign bonnet issue should be a no-brainer, but the car side is a bit more difficult.

Thanks for your input Frank!

Yep thats what it looked like to me at first, but then I was a bit confused when looking at the missing paint on the side of the car. If it was limited to the marker light issue, I'd just touch it up myself. But I wouldn't feel comfortable doing the side of the car with my not so amazing paint skills.

I wrote MTA immediately after my last post and received an email from Kirstin yesterday. I sent her the above pictures and asked her if those inconsistencies were normal or not. I suppose I'll see what she replies with, thank you gentlemen for the help!

Update:

After emailing back and forth with Kirstin from MTH since the day I started this thread, she gave me a warranty authorization a couple days ago. I don't appreciate the fact that I have to pay shipping to send it back to them and be without my set for 2 months or more..

I can't sell it without losing money because of these defects, and I can't return it because going back and forth with "Customer service" at MTH made my return window expire with Mario's Trains. (I really don't want to return it either if possible, its a pretty thing for sure).

So at the end of the day its a lose-lose situation for the customer.. Being a business owner myself, I'm a little disappointed in MTH. I take care of all of my customers with no questions asked, I have that built into my margins and strive to provide the best service I can to make sure my brand is known for its quality and service.

I'll most likely send this subway off to be weathered so it looks presentable and hides the paint defects, and I'll think twice before patronizing MTH again.

Thats my experience and take on things, thanks for everyone's input!