UP color paints and color ratios

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I am looking for the best paint and color ratios to recreate the Union Pacific Salt Lake Olympic SD70s. I am starting with stripped Athearn Genesis. Any input would be appreciated.

2

Having had to mix my own UP armor yellow I understand where you are coming from, at least partially. A few things some you may already know.

  1. Floquil leaves a nice new looking gloss finish whereas Polyscale leaves a dull finish. A dull finish doesn’t show mistakes so much. Lots of differences in paints, such as Scalecoat looking great after baking a while.

  2. Prototype paint color doesn’t scale down well to HO scale. I think they look darker.

  3. My approach has been to start with the decals first and then mix to get the relative look I want between the graphics and paint. As well as differences/similarities between the paint colors. Which unfortunately has meant trial and error while trying to match prototype photos. Understanding that the photos can be off too.

  4. Dark paint tends to get lighter(fades) with aging and light paint tends to get duller/darker(microscopic blemishes, sun,etc) on the prototypes. So photo and actual prototype paint appearance will also change.

Hope this helps and someone else can be more specific.

Richard

3

Thank you! I appreciate your input.

Jay