NYCS HUDSON GREY VERSION........

[Train-O]

Hi Everyone,

I would like to know if the 'Gun Metal Grey' version Hudson steam engine and tender actually existed?

Or, is this another fantasy of a certain model manufacturer from pre W.W. II, because it's a mighty beautiful color scheme?

Thank you,

Ralph 

[laz 57]

Hi RALPH,

  Here's a little history of the NYC Hudsons and yes they were painted gray along with the NYC Empire Express wich was a silver and black.  Here it is for you to perusement.

http://www.wilkinsontrains.com/traindisp.cfm?train_id=43

laz57

[DMUinCT]

Basically no.

1.  New York Central liked Black for the working locomotives but went to Gray when a Streamlined Shroud (20th Century Ltd, Commodore Vanderbilt, The Mercury, Empire State Ex.) was added to cover a locomotive.   The superstructure of a locomotive can be stated as Cab, Boiler, Smoke Box  sitting over a Frame and Engine.   In this case (and most locomotives) the Boiler is insulated with Asbestos which is covered with sheet metal.  The Boiler and the Cab are usually painted Black.  The Smoke Box is treated with powered graphite in Black, and at times a light or dark Gray.  The NYC used Silver graphite for special occasions.   The NYC Hudsons built for the Boston & Albany division (smaller drivers, larger sand domes) were painted Dark Green in place of Black.

2. Starting in the mid 1930s, Lionel pained most of the locomotives in a metallic Gray.  260, 263, 249, 763 Hudson, 1666, 1664, 225E, 224E all appeared in Gray.  The 226E, 227 &228 switcher, and the 700E were always Black.  The 700K Kit was shipped with a Gray Primer paint on the cast parts.  The simi-scale Gray Hudson first issued in the late 1930s and re-issued in the 1980s are very beautiful, it's not just a black "blob", you can see all the fine detail. 

[Train-O]

Hi, to you laz57 and Don,

Thank you both for your replies and info.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year,

Ralph