I’m taking another step in the hobby by repainting & decaling equipment in the road I model, the Western Maryland. Where can I fine drawings showing the measurements of the lettering, stripe location ect. When I go to place the new decals I want to be sure they are correct so they look like the real deal.
Thanks
Mark
Dave H.
If you cannot find a paint guide, get out a millimeter ruler and some photos of your prototype. You can get the proportions from this. Even if the resulting paint job (or decals) are not exactly right, it will still look OK from a distance.
I have been repainting and decalling boxcars myself. (Railroad in garage is too cold during winter.) If you have to, you can cut-and-paste the decals to fit (I am using decals and cars that may be 32’, 34’, 36’, 38’, or 40’). You can be reasonable even if there is no particular prototype for the result. If the result ‘looks right’ to a non-RR-expert - ask your wife, kids, or friends - you can use it until you are ready to do a more accurate job.
Western Maryland Historical Society should have data sheets and such. There’s probably a Morning Sun Color Guide that would help as well and ther are well worth the price.
Rick
Mark,
Which era or time period are you modeling?
Specifically, try the ‘Western Maryland Railway Revenue Equipment: Vol 1 - Boxcars and Refrigerator Cars,’ by William Oertly & D.A. McFall, that’s available from the WMRHS at their museum in Union Bridge MD or online.
In addition to the painting diagrams on pages 108 through 110 for Fireball & Speed lettering, there is a complete ‘All-time’ Freight Car roster from 1905 to 1975. It’s a bargain for the price!
Future volumes on gons, hoppers and flat cars are reportedly in the works.
For Caboose detailing, try Dwight Jones’ ‘Western Maryland Railway Cabooses – Updates and Corrections,’ for official stenciling of Fireball, Speed and Circus versions.
Diesels; try Stakem & Stakem’s ‘Western Maryland Diesel Locomotives.’
And by all means, join the WMRHS!
HTH
Happy Railroading!
Mark Wallace
Collegeville, PA
Hey Mark!
I grew up in Trooper, just above where Trooper and Egypt Roads cross. Went to Methacton.
Is the power house still standing in Collegeville? The RDG Perkiomen branch ran thru there and the station was where the Pizza Hut is now.
Dave H.
Now in Omaha.
Dave,
It’s a small world indeed! Just south of your old neighborhood they’ve built 2 large shopping centers; Walmart, Home Depot, Office Depot, Grocery Stores and a small LHS.
Yes the power house is still standing in Collegeville (It’s an old 2 story brick trolley barn).
The Collegeville Pizza Hut on the site of the old RDG station was torn down a few years ago and replaced with a large diner.
The RDG Perkiomen branch is now a bike trail which connects to other trails that lead to Valley Forge and eventually Philadelphia. Listers can read about this area in the recent Classic Trains Magazine’s article on the Boy Scout Jamborees that were held in Valley Forge.
Sorry about the [#offtopic].
Happy Railroading!
Mark W.
Collegeville, PA