How much does it cost to re-livery/repaint a train?

[Daniel Boone]

I couldn't find much information on this!

 

[fgwrich]

It’s unlikely you’ll get a definitive answer to be honest as an estimate can contain a number of variances; eg, a wagon, short coach, long coach, DMU, EMU or Loco. Then there’s the condition of the bodywork underneath and how much preparation that requires, and the complexity of the livery on top. I’ve seen / heard of some frightening estimates over the years, particularly for pres stock, from a variety of businesses. But, some of those you’ll know you’ll get a high quality two packed spray job.

 

[357]

A bus in one colour is around 2-3k, often much more.

 

[thenorthern]

It also depends on the type of paint previously used. I know the Class 360s retained their First Great Eastern livery for many years after the demise of First Great Eastern. The reason being they were painted in an anti-vandal paint which required the previous layer of paint to be sanded down before a repaint could take place.

 

[ScottGallagher]

How true this was I don't know but I was going Graphics GCSE back in the mid to late 90s and South West Trains informed me it cost 4000 pounds a vehicle to repaint when i wrote to them with questions. It was an abandoned project I was doing about a rebrand. In fact so abandoned I got grade F!!

 

[ThrowAway10101]

Considering LNR still uses the old midlands livery for some trains .. i'm guessing a LOT.

 

[Carlisle]

It also depends on the type of paint previously used. I know the Class 360s retained their First Great Eastern livery for many years after the demise of First Great Eastern. The reason being they were painted in an anti-vandal paint which required the previous layer of paint to be sanded down before a repaint could take place.

Any remotely decent quality repaint would require the previous coat to be sanded down unless your replacing it with vynll wraps.

 

[7031]

Presumably there's also some economies of scale so to speak here? i.e. per vehicle probably works out cheaper when doing a whole fleet to one spec versus say, doing a one-off livery for one.

 

[ZL exile]

A lot to consider when calculating the cost, which includes;
1. Type of vehicle ie loco wagon, coach etc each will have requirements of parts to be masked / removed prior to work and refitting afterwards
2. Bodywork condition, is there corrosion, bodywork damage from collisions with all manner of items.
3. What is the current paintwork / vinyl condition, some are easier to remove /prepare for a new paint application are there any hazardous substances to be aware of
4 Type of paint / finish required is it a simple or intricate design, how is the paint to be applied / cured and how many layers of paint in total which may include primers, undercoats, top coat and varnish with any decals etc. This could be multiple layers of some of these, all of which increase the time taken and material costs
5 don’t forget the costs to get the vehicle to and from the from the painting location

 

[diligentdave]

A certain fleet that I deal with cost £35k per vehicle.

 

[modernrail]

A certain fleet that I deal with cost £35k per vehicle.

Interesting. Any idea how much a vinyl alternative would have been?

 

[43096]

Interesting. Any idea how much a vinyl alternative would have been?

That depends on what work is done/is required to prepare for vinyl application.

Paint is there primarily to protect the bodyshell - using vinyl is not a substitute.

 

[12LDA28C]

A certain fleet that I deal with cost £35k per vehicle.

Seriously? That sounds exorbitant. I’ve been quoted £12k for a repaint of a locomotive including the preparatory work, or £10k for the cheaper vinyl option.

 

[Adrian1980uk]

I'm sure it also depends how many vehicles you need repainting, economy of scale etc. and how keen the company doing it are to win the contract

 

[leezer3]

I'm sure the 37 at the NNR was much closer to the £35k figure when it was done recently, although I might be mis-remembering....

That was by Heritage Painting.

 

[Razorblades]

The Class 37 figure mentioned in the post above this one looks about right to me.

When I arranged the repaint of two electric locos into 'celebrity' liveries in 2004, the respective contractors charged in the region of 10-12k, using wet paint to BR Spec 81, supplied by Williamsons, via Howes of Oxford (yes, the model shop!). Both were done at cost/ mates' rates, to a great degree, and the livery diagrams and certification cost in the region of 20k, so approximately 21k apiece, twenty years ago!