Can anyone help me with the appropriate colors used on Rock Island diesels prior to going to the Rock blue? They are a red and yellow and I would like to paint an e/8 with this color scheme.
Better get a photo of the unit you want to model. The Rock uses so many paint schemes, you need to be more specific.
Wdlgln005 Better get a photo of the unit you want to model. The Rock uses so many paint schemes, you need to be more specific.
I am guessing he means the last scheme, bright red and yellow using the speed lettering, before the blue and white "The Rock" became standard.
While "correct" paint is highly subjective, usually can really get modelers into debates, I can only tell you what I use.
I've mostly used Testors paint for my painting needs. For the bright red and yellow speed lettering, I use their yellow (1114/1214 depending on spray or bottle) and their red (1103/1203). They also make a bright red which I may have used in the past. As I recall there wasn't a real big difference once finished.
What I do is paint the entire model in the yellow first. Then the red. I do this because the lighter undercoat seems to bring the red closer to the actual shade, at least to my thinking. Then once the decals are on, set and dried I use dullcote or something similar over the engine. I don't claim this to be exact, but to me it looks good, especially under the lighting conditions of my basement.
If nothing else, it gives you a starting point.
Jeff