Hiya, so I've had some succeses with the paint, but some parts of it need to be touched up again because the model I wanted to restore back to original condition, and with some silver details added here's what I've got so far
Boiler, cab, cowcatcher... Jet black spray paint was used....
Wants: Silver smokebox, smokebox door, headlight... Bottom part of firebox (Firebox grate?)
I need suggestions for decals or stickers, I'm wanting to model an actual locomotive, did any 2-4-2 Tender Engine's Exist or was that a fictional design by Lionel??? Just wondering, Thanks!!
I've also have bypassed the Eunit, I'm hoping my wiring works... I'll keep yeah posted!
2-4-2 locomotives did exist, they were called the "Columbia" type. Pretty much a 19th Century thing, as a whole they didn't catch on among most railroads. Some may have lasted past the first decade of the 20th Century but I'm not sure.
Only three railroads bought Columbia types, the Atlantic Coast Line, the Burlington, and the Reading. Most were converted to 4-4-0's or 4-6-0's.
Typically the lower portion of the fireboxes on steam locomotives weren't painted, but were finished with graphite mixed with linseed oil and rubbed into the steel. The same with the smokeboxes. The paints available through most of the steam era cooked off those hot steel surfaces pretty quickly, so graphite was used instead. The graphite had to be renewed as well but it held up better than paint did. Look at a tip of a lead pencil and there's your graphite color.
Anyway, as "Penny Trains" said it's your engine, so finish it up the way YOU want. Don'r worry about what anyone else says.
Thanks, I'm looking to get something more like a Revell or Tamiya paint, which one would work??? also yeah, the reason for restoring it is a whole lot more compliciated then trying to fix it up into a Henry Paint job, I'm actually trying to avoid the O Gauge Thomas stuff now out of respect, not saying it isn't bad (Sorry for all the Edits)
I wasn't aware Revell made paints, but even so Testors, Tamiya, and other available model paints are all pretty good. To match the graphite just eyeball the best grey color you can find, it'll be good enough.
When I repaint I like to give the model an overspray of Testors "Semi-Gloss" clear coat as a final finish. It seals the decals and puts a nice sheen on the paint, not too dull, not too glossy.
Just one thing, before you spray on that clear coat make sure you've got the right can! Don't grab your can of black or whatever by mistake and wreck your hard work! "Been there, done that."
Here is a chart of Lionel paint colors that are used in restoration work. Number 675 is black semi-gloss used for steam engines, available here.
Larry
I forgot, you said you were looking for decals too?
Unfortunately there aren't as many around as there used to be, for whatever reason. Two outfits I know of that still make decals are as follows...
https://www.protocraft.com
http://www.lbrenterprisesllc.com/
Most of Protocraft's decals are for rolling stock, but they work on engines if you don't mind fudging things a bit.
A Baldwin Columbia type named Columbia:
Atlantic Coast Line loco:
A Burlington locomotive:
Check out this camelback:
I've always loved locomotives in this size range. They were graceful and showed off the magic of steam propulsion in a way that superpower locomotives couldn't. In my opinion smaller locos seem more accessible.
One of my favorites:
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
If you have the ability, it's fun to make decals on your home computer. Testor's makes decal papers for both inkjet and laser printers. Just be aware if you want white lettering you have to buy white decal paper (as opposed to clear film paper) and print a black rectangle around your lettering.
Those late 19th Century locomotives look more like pieces of sculpture or jewelry than pieces of machinery.
But you can see what killed the 2-4-2 concept. Built for speed with those high drivers they didn't track well with the two-wheel leading trucks of the time. At speed they nosed back and forth, making life unpleasant for the cab crews.
That Camelback's interesting, it's a Vauclain compound type, note those two piston valve housings over the main piston. Another type that didn't catch on, too maintanance intensive.
Thanks! I did get there in the end, just finsihed painting (Varnishing) and rebuilding the engine, the thing is I will hae to replace the brush cover on the loco, I know I have one Lurking somewhere!! Thanks for all the information on the Locomotives, I thought they'd have a more modern variation like Lionel's but they are still very cool locomotives
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