help in finding prototypical paint colors
Well after some research, I have found the colors of the Texas Special that was run by the FRISCO and the KATY RR's down in Texas. Now my problem is converting the color code to something that's available without buying a large quanity. So I'm looking for help to see if anyone knows what colors are available in Floquil or Polly Scale or even another brand of modelers paint that will match the dupont color codes I found. Or am I stuck going to a Home Depot or Lowes or even a Dupont paint store?
Color codes:
red (DuPont Red No. 2460),
maroon (DuPont Red No. 51823)
Thanks for any help in this matter.
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Paints
Commercial or house-type paints are not very good for models, because the paint coat will be too thick.
Colors will be affected by layout location (indoors=darker than sunlight), type of light (incandescent, fluorescent or LEDs), etc.
So I suggest getting paint chip charts and checking for what looks right at your layout. A little bit of weathering will help ease any difference.
_______________________
Long life to Linux The Great!
Another point to consider
There was a great article I read in MR last Fall regarding colors for your locos. The article contained a prototype picture of a CSX lashup: each loco was in a different scheme and each paintjob was at a different level of deterioration. The point of the article was to say that no two paint jobs are alike and that your paint schemes/jobs don't need to be, in fact shouldn't be, perfect. As pipo also pointed out, a little weathering will go a looooong way if you're not satisfied with the color choices that are available to you. That red may be off from the prototype but, with a little fading techniques applied, it'll look just right on the layout!
-John
-Johnny
Freelancing the Plainville, Pequabuck and New London Railroad
DuPont Color Codes
The DuPont codes (if still available) can be mixed in small quantity by a DuPont Automotive Paint jobber in your area. DuPont labels their various automotive paint products as "quality" in their color documentation. The list I saw that shows your RR colors and numbers states the quality is Duco. Duco was removed from the DuPont selection many, many years ago so there is a possibility the codes are no longer valid. However, it is likely the DuPont jobber will be able to mix the codes in another more current quality such as Chromabase or Chromapremier.
You can then use the DuPont paint in an airbrush (it won't brush on well at all) or use the DuPont material as your color standard to custom blend model paint for a match.
Your journey begins at the DuPont Automotive Paint jobber in your area. Jobber locator is here
Alan
Walk-in, Double Deck, HO, 1969, Freelance, 28'x32', DCCwww.LKOrailroad.com
Thanks for all of the
Thanks for all of the info. That does give me some options.
I've got a good friend that works at an automotive paint supply house. I know they carry Dupont croma base paints as I've gotten them from him in the past. May be time for a call.
If I can find a good chip color, that may help as well and I could maybe find/mix some of the floquil paints to get a close match.
Modeling in N Scale the transition era of the late 1930's/ early 40's Texas & Pacific RR (T&P) and the Missouri, Kansas, Texas RR (KATY) centered around Fort Worth, Texas.