Graffiti - Why and how?

archangle May 16, 2009

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  1. BOK

    BOK TrainBoard Member

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    This is one of the best discussions on this topic I have ever read. From the aspect of the "artists" to the that of railroaders it was all presented in a calm, insightful manner and not mixed up with a lot of conflict.

    For the record, as an experienced railroader of some years I agree that the practice is against the law, is wrong, defaces equipment and makes it difficult to sometimes read car initials and numbers. Even though I have seen some beautiful artwork on freight cars I don't like it and miss the colorful, boxcars and reefers of the 1970's when railroads were proud to display their slogans and heralds and kept the cars in good shape.

    On my layout the freight cars are 1990 or earlier to avoid most of this problem or the equipment is restored, museum locomotives and cars. I know I am in the minority but I like to see most rolling stock fairly clean and in good condition.

    Thanks, everyone for sharing your knowledge on this topic it has been intersting.

    Barry
     
    BOK, Sep 10, 2009
    #21
  2. MOPMAN

    MOPMAN TrainBoard Member

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    Since I model the 70's, graffiti was a minor problem. When I saw a car covered in graffiti, one could bet the farm that the car came from the east coast or LA. While I currently don't have any cars on the layout with graffiti, I do plan to add a few "tagged" cars with eastern and western road names. That said, I don't approve of tagging as its done today. Was Bozo Texino a tagger or graffiti artist? LOL
     
    MOPMAN, Sep 10, 2009
    #22
  3. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I miss those days, too! And am stuck in the 1960's, when you'd rarely see anything defaced. Perhaps an occasional chalk or crayon mark- Sometimes done by the railroad itself. Although I understand the costs involved, sure wish for a return to such colorful practice. The cars which KCS has recently painted are beauties.

    A friend and I were discussing this topic just a few hours ago. And why we don't bother much any more, with railfanning. All those gray or brown cars. As the song went, "little boxes all the same..." A few minutes trackside, and you've seen most of what there is for a day. :(

    Boxcab E50
     
    BoxcabE50, Sep 10, 2009
    #23
  4. Rise716

    Rise716 New Member

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    yo most graffiti isnt gang related. most of it is people trying to get on a lot of cars and get "popular in the graffiti world" and i think it is good and something to look at. A lot of people stereotype graffiti writers with violence and vandalism. But if look at as an art you can respect it and it is very interesting.
     
    Rise716, Sep 21, 2009
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  5. Rise716

    Rise716 New Member

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    Most graffiti artists try to not go over and try to go around the number markings.
     
    Rise716, Sep 21, 2009
    #25
  6. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    The thing is, most people in society (and the railroads) define graffiti as vandalism. There is no getting around that. The "art" factor is not even considered when the person has to trespass in order to deface private property such as railroad cars. Legally there is no getting around that and the court system supports that view. It is just very difficult to enforce the existing laws so the practice continues.
     
    r_i_straw, Sep 21, 2009
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  7. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Sorry pal, your excuses don't fly. When a person enters private property to spread that garbage, without permission, it's criminal trespass. When they paint something they don't own, without consent of that owner, it's vandalism. How crime can be "good" is beyond comprehension.

    I know, I have been a victim. I had to pay MY hard earned money, to get that trash removed. Stupidity is NOT art, and can never earn any respect. Until such "people" fund their own canvas, it will be rightly viewed with well deserved disdain.

    Boxcab E50
     
    BoxcabE50, Sep 21, 2009
    #27
  8. YoHo

    YoHo TrainBoard Supporter

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    I understand about the monotony of railcars now adays...sort of, but I have to wonder why a mixed stack train with all sorts of logos and colors and sizes doesn't qualify?
     
    YoHo, Sep 21, 2009
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  9. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member

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    "Get popular in the graffiti world"? "Art"?

    Sorry, no sale. When some fool armed with spray cans enters private property and covers it with his or her scribblings, it isn't art- it's vandalism. Perhaps I'm not a member of the "Jackass" crowd, which may have something to do with how I see things.

    I'm sure some trainman trying to read reporting marks on a freight car that has been decorated with your "art" would not think it as interesting- rather, his thoughts would best be described as unprintable.

    Please, save your justification of graffiti for MTV- that dog don't hunt here.
     
    friscobob, Sep 21, 2009
    #29
  10. Mark Watson

    Mark Watson TrainBoard Member

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    Gang related or not, graffiti IS vandalism. Do you own a car? If someone sprayed a mural across the side of your car, would you still consider it art?

    If you think you're an artist, buy a canvas.
     
    Mark Watson, Sep 21, 2009
    #30
  11. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member

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    another load of bull...............

    I've seen more than a few cars with "art" sprayed all over the car sides, obscuring reporting marks, logos, etc.

    Please, enough justification of criminal activities.
     
    friscobob, Sep 22, 2009
    #31
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