Do you prefer bells Painted or rusty?

[Trainmanalex2]

It doesn't matter to me just as long as it works.

[Smjh1979]

It doesn't matter to me just as long as it works.

Ditto.

[owensri]

I chose painted. There's nothing more I can't stand than a rusty signal. That's pure lazy there. It only takes 30-45 minutes a crossing to paint the signals if it's a 2 signal setup. As for cantilevers...if they rust...time to replace those...

[cabman701]

I agree with painted. You can still have classic signals that look really good with a nice fresh coat of paint. Shows the public that you actually care.

[Nimhster]

Rusty, it shows character and that the bell did it's job.

[Trainmanalex2]

Rusty, it shows character and that the bell did it's job.

No wonder you never painted yours

[TommyBNSF]

I don't mind either. I have one bell very rusty and I like it and will keep it that way and others are in great condition and they look good to me so I don't care. Sometimes it adds more color to it when it's rusty.

[gedunk]

Doesn't matter so long as it works. I prefer signals to look maintained, which means a reasonably fresh coat of paint, etc. But if it doesnt work, it doesn't matter.

[AndrewFields]

I like them to be kept up and looking nice. Remember, when the bell is well-kept and painted, you are preventing corrosion and allowing the bell to stay in service longer.

[SleazyRider]

Painted, most definitely. A nice coat of paint is more than just a pretty finish, it communicates the attitude of those charged with the care of the bell. Rust is damage, and to allow the damage to progress unchecked is neglect; which could be construed, accurately or not, as a statement about the owner.