I recall several years ago that some enthusiasts in the UK, having seen their formative years at the end of BR steam, when once colorful locomotives became gray with grime, were considering restoring a locomotive or two to that appearance. Did it ever happen?http://abpr.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi?february04/02-01-04/70018+61030_passing_farnley_junction_with_the_heaton-manchester_red_bank_empty_newspaper_vans.28_may_1966.jpg

I've seen photos from British photo charters where the effect has been carried out. Taken to its extreme, it even involves removal of nameplates, shoveling ashes all over the loco's finish, etc. Not that much different from, say, the recent charters on the East Broad Top.As with American steam railways, the effect is of course completely counterintuitive to everything marketing ever taught you--filthy rolling stock, tarnishing the company image, etc. The power washers had better be waiting at the end of the day.