Decal-ready paints in accurate RR colors

[Anonymous]

I am in the painful process of changing eras, from late 1960's B&O to 1990's CSX. I am also discovering that the attractive gray-and-blue-with-yellow-nose (a.k.a "CSX-bc") factory-painted models are becoming scarce[sigh], being replaced by the solid-blue-with-dulux-gold (a.k.a "CSX-yn3") scheme.

Now for my question: Is there any type of water-soluable paint available that does NOT require me to spray a layer of gloss-coat in order to apply decals? [I am well aware of the Floquil Polly-Scale line, but they they dry with a flat finish.] Since I am being forced to do my own painting, I at least want to be able to see the details on my finished model...

[Anonymous]

Paint them flat, decal them, then spray Deft on them. It seals the decals and gives you a semigloss finish. DEFT is a sealer that will do what you want as far as a finish. Deft can be found at local hardware and wal-mart stores.

[ericsp]

I can't think of any of the top of my head. Most railroad paints are flat finish. You can apply decals directly to that. However, it is more difficult to move them to the correct position and the water tends to leave spots on the paint. I don't know what type of finish you want (flat, semi-gloss, or glossy), however generally speaking, you will need some type of clear coat on the locomotives, espcially if you want a flat finish (shiny decals). Another thing you can to is see if Testor's (or some other manufacturer's) glossy paints are a close match (Testor does not make water soluable paints the last I checked). You might also try sending an e-mail to Model Railroader's Workshop. I almost suggested Paint Shop then I remembered the MR dropped that.

By the way, Athearn is producing SW1500s, GP38-2s, GP40-2s, SD40-2s, F7As, and F7Bs this year that are probably in the three color CSXT scheme. Go the second link, make note of the part numbers for the CSXT locomotives, then e-mail Athearn and ask what paint scheme they are in, I have found Athearn to be helpful. You might want to reserve/order some to insure you get them. Also, have you tried going to Walther's web site and searching locomotives and using CSX and/or CSXT for the keyword?
http://www.athearn.com/
http://www.athearn.com/Media/NewKits.pdf

[PennsyHoosier]

That is a GREAT suggestion wmlurgan. Thanks very much!!!!

[orsonroy]

What's the problem with applying a quick layer of glosscoat? The stuff in a rattlecan works great, takes seconds to apply, and only adds one day to the drying cycle. Keep a few shells in various points in the decoration process, and you won't be stuck without something to do.