Steam locomotives were not all painted black, though most freight locos were. The reason was that coal dust and soot were black, so black paint showed the dirt less. Passenger train locos used on premium routes were painted in distinctive liveries.
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Black locomotives became common beginning in 1880, after coal burning engines made grime commonplace. Black was chosen because black locomotives didn't show all the dirt and grime that covered the locomotive during normal use.
The new national system painted almost all its steam locomotives black. This was commonplace in many countries by the 1920s, certainly for goods engines, on grounds of cost. The red wheels and frames were intended to make it easier to spot cracks and other defects.
Re: Color of smokeBlack and grey indicates unspent fuel such as coal or oil. Brown is poor grade coal or oil or is wood smoke. White is simply steam condensing in the cooler air.
Railroad officials said that with smoking banned, cars would be cleaner, cost less to maintain and have more seats available during rush hour. Railroad officials had advocated a ban based on concerns about health and overcrowding.
Steam locomotives are no longer used to transport passengers or products because electric and diesel locomotives are faster, more efficient, and easier to maintain. The locomotives that are still running are a piece of history dating back to the 1800's that really put into perspective just how far we've come!
The last steam locomotive built for mainline British Railways was 92220 Evening Star, which was completed in March 1960. The last steam-hauled service trains on the British Railways network ran on 11 August 1968, but the use of steam locomotives in British industry continued into the 1980s.
Steam trains were indeed faster than wagons, and steam ships faster and stronger than sailing ships. But the smoke they sent into the air polluted the air. Then diesel and electric trains came, and they were somewhat cleaner. However, to make the electricity that trains use; large amounts of coal have to be burned.
People need to be able to see and hear trains appropriately so they're able to stay safe. In Britain, historically train fronts were required to have a yellow panel in order to make them more visible, a move which came in the 1950s when newer diesel and electric trains were found to be far quieter than steam.
The rearlights on locomotives, multiple units and railcars. To ensure that the rear of the failed train is always visible, all trains are required to display three red lights at their rear: two tail lamps plus the red portion of the destination roller blind.
Prior to these, the subways had "pew" seating that had a uniform contour along their lengths. The orange and yellow seating was dished in for each place following Japanese examples. Unfortunately, Americans are wider and spill over the edges.