Evening all!
So I know this probably goes without saying for those with experience but hopefully it will help a few new comers!
I have found it very helpful to keep detailed notes of paint colors I have used. It helps not only for repair (which I have had to do) but also for matching a color on another building or using a similar color.
I like Microsoft One Note for my notes but there are many other options
Here is a typical example (all Tamiya Paints)
Hidden Shed Building Color
4 Drops XF-2 White
2 Drops XF-50 Field Blue
Hidden Shed Windows / Door
XF-19 Sky Gray
Office Building Color
XF-4 Yellow Green
Incidentally, I also have pages in one note set up for decoder programming, switch machine wiring, inspiration, etc. Anything I may want to refer to down the road.
I have been tempted to "not bother" but I have never regretted taking the time to keep accurate notes!
Hope this helps someone...
- Bill Rutherford Lancaster, NH
Central Vermont Railroad
Bill, thanks. I am only now just starting to deal with structures (bought a Campbell grain elevator kit today) and it is nice to have some best practices already stowed in the toolbox.
"All right. Important safety tip. Thanks, Egon."
-Matt
Returning to model railroading after 40 years and taking unconscionable liberties with the SP&S, Northern Pacific and Great Northern roads in the '40s and '50s.
Nice! Love the Campbell kits. Also a big fan of BTS and Bars Mills
B RutherfordAlso a big fan of BTS and Bars Mills
Whenever I mix paint colours, I use what I call "the brushload method": dip into one colour as many times as needed, then clean the same brush, then work in the same manner adding whatever colour(s) I think will result in the colour I'm seeking.
I'm not sure why, but I usually come up with the proper mix fairly quickly...maybe intuition, or just plain luck. I keep records of all the ones that I use regularily, mostly for locomotives or railroad-owned structures.
Wayne
B Rutherford I have found it very helpful to keep detailed notes of paint colors I have used. It helps not only for repair (which I have had to do) but also for matching a color on another building or using a similar color.
I'm a BIG believer in good documentation. As you describe, I maintain a record of the paint color formulas used for each item, but also a layout wiring guide with color/AWG record per each application, wiring diagrams where needed (turnout control from two panels with DPDT toggles and LEDs), track paint colors and ballast (brands, coloring formulas, bonding methods), and even a monthly and annual summary of progress, lists of open projects, and priorities.
But with my layout in an apparently constant state of being a construction zone, I still waste an enormous amount of time looking for that one tool that I need at the moment!
Jim
About twenty years ago I started this notebook. It began as just wargaming, but it was easier just to have all the information in one place, so trains and plastic models were added.
-Photographs by Kevin Parson
It has been completely accurate and reliable. The notebook is immune to viruses, hard drive lock-ups, cloud crashes, and hackers.
-Kevin
Living the dream.