To me weathering beside a taste for some, also one doing it should consider the era they will have their weathered cars, engines running in. Living within a mile to 3 miles of many major railroads during the 50 and 60s cars and engines were still well taken care of and only one would see road grime and very little rusting except for the wheel sets on cars. During the early 80s is when we started to see less upkeep, graffiti start appearing on railcars and engines showing signs up less cleaning if at all. Company cars, mostly Tank cars, and covered hopper cars into the 21st century were still well maintained and cleaned each time they pulled back in. Before loading they were washed inside and outside and inspected. If they needed repainting, touch up, etc. it was noted and were put on list to be upgraded for repairs. During the 70s, to 21st century while also being involved with Terminals upgrade, the only tank cars we had come in which showed neglect and surface rust running down sides, ends, etc. were those that were carried Ammonia contents. Oil, home fuel, etc. showed mostly the effects of the elements, road grime and sun damage. It has only been the last decade that I have seen abused, and neglected cars on the road. Some of the cars, aged and weathered to the extremes, many companies I have worked for would never put their products into them. I've seen our company, terminals turn back hopper cars, tank cars, and boxcars that were damaged or showed neglect that weren't owned by us but rather rented.
Please note: this is only what I seen and saw in my areas and the engines and cars that came through on the rails I saw daily. Maybe in other areas, there were more weathered, and less upkeep coming and going.
