General Discussion (Model Railroader)

QUOTE: Originally posted by mondotrains Just a thought about you adding weight to the cars. I've found that lead shot, available at Gun Shops, is a great way to add weight to passenger cars. There are little "wells" in the base of some of the cars where lead shot can be added. Just place them in the wells and any other spot where they won't show and pour on some Tacky glue (available at craft stores like Michael's) and let it set.

Another cheap source of lead, although it requires a bit more work for small places, is to get discarded tire weights from auto shops.

I've been using these on scratchbuilt brass locomotive frames to add weight to the fuel tank area. I've also used plaster poured over a modeling clay cast of the bottom of an Athearn tank car to bring it up to weight.

To melt the lead I hold the steel clip with pliers, take a propane torch to the weight and let it drip into the mold. It ends up lumpy, but takes up less space and gives a lower center of gravity than those cheap Athearn weights (of course the cars are short on weight - people pay to ship by weight - you want to pay for it?).

Whole 1 ounce weights can be used for boxcars. The clips make a handy spot to glue them to the floor.

Another Interior Color Tip.

For the Proto 1000 New York City IRT Subway cars, the bench seats are Dark Gray. (as a kid though, I do distinctly remember seeing a few red bench seats, but by 1970 I didn't see anymore.)

Just an observation:
Someone pointed out on another thread that the Walther's and IHC interior kits are "cruddy". One must realize though that when neatly painted seats, tables, beds, and walls are viewed through the passenger car's windows they look sharp and add realism to a train!

Otherwise, if Marklin did sell their passenger car interiors separately, I'll be the first in line to purchase one. But, as a wise maintanance man I knew told me years ago when I was in my 20s complainig: "Don't complain. You gotta work with what ya got!"
Good rule of life!

Cheers and Peace!

Another interior color discovery.

The inside of Seaboard Airline streamlined diners from the late 1940s. Walls were 2-tone gray, leather covered chairs black, and of course tables covered with white cloths.
Might have been one of the "Silver" service trains.

The interior 2 tone was an eye catcher as the windows had a 2 to 3 inch border of light gray while the rest of the walls were dark grey. Tastefully done for such a normally drabby color! Saw this on a color video clip.

Antonio, you are the absolute master of keeping topics bubbling along on the front page[:D] I commend your efforts!!

AntonioFP45

The information is good and many of the inside colors on trains are hard to discover, since the pictures are mostly in black and white. The new Daylight Reflections book has interior pictures that are fairly good and can be used as a guide for SP fans.

I have installed tinted glass in my Walthers cars using Railway Classics Proto Correct Glass and the results are stunning.
You simply install the tinted glass on the inside of the flush glass already in the car and enjoy the results.
Thanks again for the interior color information.

QUOTE: Originally posted by locomotive10 Antonio - Do the daylight cars have the same seat color as the red stripe cars.Nick -

Don't know about that one. It's possible as railroads kept interior deco styles for years. It's your railroad though, and it's up to you. I don't worry so much about the "exact color" as long as I get "reasonably close" to the overall tone. Visitors to my home are always impressed with the IHC interiors that I've painted.

QUOTE: I also need help with floor, wall and roof color. I take it the toilets in the restrooms are white?

- The pictures of toilets that I've seen in most streamlined passenger trains were Stainless Steel. I paint my toilets, sinks, and vestibules the same color as my dining car kitchens, which of course is stainless steel by Testors. Silver works too.

Suggestion: Don't worry about painting the floor and the ceilings as these areas are "extremely" difficult to see from your viewpoint at the powerpack as your train cruises on your layout's mainline. Seats, sleeping car partitions, and tables are what attract attenion. The view is limited. As for the space between the windows, if you wish you can apply a neutral color like a gray, brown or beige. If you do this, apply long strips of masking tape along the top and bottom edges of the window row to get a neat job.

Remember to USE FLAT COLORS for all interior work. Don't use gloss as this will make the work look "toylike". (been there, done that!)

Don't worry so much, or you may get burned out! Keep it simple! Have fun! You will still see some very nice effects. If you make a mistake; so what. Just try again.

When you finish doing one car or interior; walk away from it and don't look at if for a long while. When you come back refreshed and relaxed, your results will make you smile!

God Bless!

Bangert1

Thank you! Glad the info was helpful! Just remember that you don't have to be too picky to capture the overall "flavor" of the interior color. It will still look far better than the "plain-jane" tan that Walther's and IHC interiors come with. Yuck!!

Re: The "Daylight Reflections" book. Did you see the color of the seats and overall interiors of the cars? I have a friend of mine that models the Daylight. I think that if he has the info he would likely purchase, paint and install the IHC interior kits.

Cheers!

He did it again!!!! Actually, this was the thread I mentioned in the "Does anyone know any good threads" thread that was on the board a couple of weeks ago. Anyway, what better post to hit 3 stars on than in acknowledging a forum "Master"

[:D][:D][:D][bow][bow][:-^]

Actually, I am glad you resurfaced this one as I could not remember the title and as a result did not find it with a search, I am just starting to put my Walthers cars in service, so this is a great reminder.

Thanks as always...

QUOTE: Originally posted by simon1966 Actually, I am glad you resurfaced this one as I could not remember the title and as a result did not find it with a search, I am just starting to put my Walthers cars in service, so this is a great reminder. Thanks as always...

Very glad it's helpful.

Don't forget to post your results after you work on your Walther's cars! [;)]

Great idea and fairly easy to implement!!

Anybody have knowledge of the proper color(s) for a troop Pullman. I would guess the bunks would be made up with Pullman's standard rose or olive green blankets but that's just a guess.

Chuck

I've painted most of my passenger fleet interiors. Though not completely "prototypical" colors, they have a very real appearance. I also added mirrors in the restrooms, etc. and it sure adds to the visual effects of the lighting in the interiors.

As soon as I can afford it (saving up for lots of Kato track!) I will be adding the passengers and railroad staff themselves.

Hey guys, found another photo!

There are some NJT fans on this forum.

A retired ex-Santa Fe 1950s streamlined "heritage" coach used by New Jersey Transit. Seats are a bright blue. The material looks similar to the tough vinyl used on modern school buses so it's safe to assume that Santa Fe's upholstery dissappeard years ago.

The closest color approximation, IMHO, would be Conrail Blue , which I think is available in Acrylic and Solvent model paint brands.

High Greens!

Here's something unusual,

Any of you ever hear of the LRC trains? 

VIA in Canada used these. Amtrak trial ran at least one train for a while back in the 80s. Interiors are brighty lit, the seats are an unusual but attractive Blue-Green " color.

If you go to www.railpictures.net go to the blank "Search Box" towards the bottom and type LRC. On the 2nd photo shot page you'll see the interior photo of a VIA LRC coach. IMPRESSIVE! Note the flourescent lighting.

Cheers!