Southern paint colors

[ThoroughBreed]

What colors and what brands of paint would you use for painting the tuxedo scheme on the SD40-2, SD45, GP38-2, GP50's?

[fr8kar]

I use black paint and use the decal stripes from Microscale. My personal preference is to use Model Master paints, since they are widely available at the hobby shops still left near me. You can get the decal sets with either the gold trim and lettering or the dulux gold (reflective yellow) trim and lettering. Consult prototype photos to see which version to use on your models.

[hotshot3305]

Eric, the easiest way to get the Southern Tuxedo scheme is to use the MicroScale Imitation Aluminum stripes, but there is the old way and that is to paint the stripe and mask it off. There are tricks to each one so let me know which one you choose and I'll give you some ideas and help that I've found to work well.

Bob

[iomalley]

I paint the stripe around the model first then apply the decal stripes over it, that way the tough inside corners aren't as crucial to get the decal just right in there. I've also found that the MS decals get brittle too, and don't pull off the paper well. I hope they run fresh sets soon. I use MM camouflage grey (USAF) for the grey.

[ThoroughBreed]

Thanx everyone for the responses.
I was definitely trying to get away from decaling the stripe and use paint.
Bob, if you could, your suggestions are always appreciated and wanted.

[hotshot3305]

Jul 26, 2014 4:44:53 GMT -5 ThoroughBreed said:

Thanx everyone for the responses.
I was definitely trying to get away from decaling the stripe and use paint.
Bob, if you could, your suggestions are always appreciated and wanted.

Eric, as it has been stated, the MS Imitation Aluminum stripes can be a real pain if you find an older set that wants to tear apart and I have purchased and used a couple of older sets myself. The solution I found with them is to be absolutely sure the stripes are ready to float off their backing and then be ready to assist them using a very soft brush to apply them to the model and then move them into position. This does not always work to complete satisfaction, but it will help some.
Another trick to applying the stripes is to make sure that you have removed all of the clear film from the bottom of the stripe that goes on the side where the blower housing is located and then make sure that you are ready to deal with the length of stripe that you cut.
When applying my decals, no matter how large or small, I always apply a mixture of Solvaset, 50%, distilled water, 50% and then add a tablespoon of 70% alcohol to the mix. Be sure to shake well before each use. Apply the mixture to your model and slide the decal from it's backing into the mixture, slide it into it's correct position, soak up any extra solution and LEAVE it alone until it dries.
If you prefer to paint the IA stripe, here is the paint mix that I have used for years and all colors are from Scalecoat II: mix one ounce of SC II Maintenance Of Way Gray with ten drops of SC II U.P. Hopper Gray and ten drops of any SC II bright yellow. I used Clinchfield Yellow, which is no longer in production, but you could use Chessie Yellow, S2119, in it's place.
Decaling is as important or more important than any other part of model building and this is especially true when it comes to applying a long light colored stripe to an all black locomotive body. The stripe is the very first thing anyone sees when looking at a Southern model so take your time and get it right even if it means having to remove a crooked decal and replacing it with a correct straight one.
Please feel free to ask any question that you may have about Southern modeling.

Bob

[nsc39d8]

Eric,

The easy way to paint the IA stripe is to use Tru-Color TCP-80 Imitation Aluminum. I use this to paint all my stripes on my Southern fleet.  I have found it to match the Microscale decals.

James Wall
Rural Hall, NC