I see as much graffiti across Europe as anywhere in the US. few things get under my skin more than rose colored glasses modern modelers. Suggesting they were tagged in the US? Do you get out much?
Edit: maybe it’s because I am amongst the youngest on the board, but you can’t be a prototype modeler and ignore graffiti today; period.
Re: "... few things get under my skin more than rose colored glasses modern modelers."
Considering that I have been modeling the Clinchfield Railroad for the past 25+ years and only began modeling the BNSF and CN Port Rupert operations over the past twelve months, certainly wouldn't call myself a modern modeler.
Absolutely none of the thousands of slides, negatives, and photos of 1960s - 1983 Clinchfield consists that reside in my personal collection exhibit any graffitied rolling-stock.
Tagging must be a contemporary, urban phenomenon.
Re: Do you get out much?
No
With easy access to the Internet and a huge library of research books and material, why bother?