Paint Touch-Up Help

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi, I am new to the group. Back in the hobby after building models as a kid, but now want to build more protypical rolling stock. I model the GN (and other Western roads) in 1965.

Question: I have a Front Range UP box car that I want to upgrade some details on, including stirrup steps, grabs, brake wheel and running board. I want to preserve the factory painting and touch up the new details by hand after application.

Does anyone have suggestions or experience to share for matching colors on painted models? I would like to use Modelflex or similar water based colors and brush paint the details to match the rest of the car.

(I reposted this with a changed subject that hopefully helps with responses)
Thanks! Jeff Helm

2

The best that I can tell you is that often when repairs or modifications are done on a unit they are painted with the closest match on hand. Frequently this is several shades off so however poor your paint match it can be considered prototypical. Good luck.

3

Just match car to it’s color. ie,boxcar red,etc.or if you have a local hobby shop,take it there and compare to paint rack. The color shouldn’t beto close, unless it’s brand new from factory, so a little weathering will hide color flaws. UP cars built in forties and fifties were boxcar red.