I picked up a Balboa Union Pacific "S" Class 0-6-0 at a train show a couple years back (great price too - cost me less than a Bachmann 0-6-0!), and have been trying to figure out the most appropraite paint for it. It's the same as this one here: https://www.brasstrains.com/Classic/Product/Detail/057102/HO-Brass-Model-Train-Balboa-UP-Union-Pacific-0-6-0-S-Class-Steam-Switcher
I've seen the typical black and silver or black and graphite, but I've also noticed some with light gray boilers. Considering this one represents an "as-built" version of this 0-6-0, which of these would be most appropriate? I'm trying to crank out as many painting projects as I can while the weather's good.
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I think the most appropiate paint scheme would be black boiler, aluminum smokebox and smokebox door like this one CSRM: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a1/UP_4466_Neil916.JPG
I have seen photos of one with grey boiler jacket, #4442. It was prettied up in the 1920 with with chrome-plated cylinder covers, nickel-plated drive rods,gray boiler jacket for use at the Omaha depot. But there might have been others.Regard, Volker
These google image photos show more examples, including the 44xx series.
https://www.google.com/search?q=union+pacific+0-6-0&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS759US759&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi2pfPbxovWAhUC8mMKHTYgCmQQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=638
Can someone explain why the smokebox was not simply painted black also on many locos? I doubt the railroads did the lighter color just for asthetics. Perhaps the smokebox surface is hotter (uninsulated?) vs. the boiler tube area behind (jacketed, with cooler skin?). So the visual would help the crew notice where not to touch bare handed. Just curious.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Thanks for the info! I was wondering if that gray version was for some sort of special service. Looking through the photos, the Balboa model appears to be very close to #4455, which still has a gray boiler jacket, so I may try painting it to look like that one. I have some Scalecoat II UP light gray I got for diesels. Is that correct or close enough for the 0-6-0?
After looking through those photos, I think I actually have the PFM version since mine has the more standard Pittman style motor. Nice model either way though!
Generally the UP steam would be basic black with graphite or silver. I think that depends on the era you model. Sometimes a boiler jacket or whole engine would get a little fancier if the engine were assigned to a passenger station as a switcher or to a certain train. Some station switchers had green or gray boiler jackets, maybe cabs and some fancier trim work that the normal "fleet" wouldn't have.
Some railroads would use graphite & oil to wipe down the boilers of some engines. It gave a very neat look and was quite noticable from the standard black paint on the boiler jacket. Western Maryland had several engines I've seen and also N&W 0-8-0 S-1a switchers.
The paints in the day weren't able to deal with the heat of a steam engine smokebox or firebox. Most sheetmetal areas like boiler jackets, cylinder covers, etc would get plain old enamel paint, usually in several coats with clear varnish on top for durability. The hot areas wouldn't get paint usually and got a mix of graphite powder in an oil based substance. This was then "painted" on and would stick better. It didn't last as long as paint and needed to be reapplied periodically to look fresh.
oldline1
Darth Santa FeI was wondering if that gray version was for some sort of special service. Looking through the photos, the Balboa model appears to be very close to #4455, which still has a gray boiler jacket, so I may try painting it to look like that one.
It is your choice. The UP #4455 worked the Denver Union Terminal in the late 1930s and 1940s. The Laramie Valley Railway, a Monolith Portland Cement Company subsidiary, bought it in 1949 and donated it together with UP to the Colorado Railroad Museum in 1972.
Here is a photo of UP 4455 at Laramie Valley Ry in 1961: http://www.railpictures.net/showimage.php?id=217507&key=4004838
And one from 1970. You can zoom in: http://cdm15330.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15330coll22/id/76948
Perhaps the Museum first painted the #4455 similar to the appearance it might have had when working Denver Union Terminal.
Here is how 4455 looks in 2007: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/22189321014/sizes/l/
I must confess I'd prefer the gray version too. I had a similar question regarding SP 0-6-0s. They had special paint schemes for some passenger terminals too. After a long decision process I stayed halfheartedly with the freight standard.Regards, Volker
Thanks all! I don't model any specific era, so I guess either way will work. Black and graphite is easier, so I might just do that if the gray seems like too much work.
Darth,
That is a sweet looking little switcher. I do hope you will tell us more about your experience with it. I've got a couple of 0-6-0's too, and you've prompted me a bit to get them out on the road. Er. Into the yard.
Ed
I mentioned using graphite & oil on boiler jackets and I just found this great shot of an N&W S-1a done up like that. Just thought you might like to see it.
http://www.columbusrailroads.com/photogallery/dak-170a-N&W-CLMB.jpg
Oldline1