I am busy researching a possible future layout connected to the rebellion between the states and need some info on loco paint schemes.
I am having trouble finding out what the livery was for the locos of the US Military Railroads. I can find loads of photos but they are all black and white. The livery in the photos appears to be a dark shade of green with gold lettering for locos lettered USMRRds, but I am guessing here.
Can anyone help here and does anyone know if any decals are/were available for the USMRRds
Hello Jon- Just for historical accuracy- the war was called the Civil War by the Northern States (TheUnion) and the War Between the States by the Southern States (The Confederacy). I regret that I can’t answer your question regarding the paint scheme for the Union railroads. However, if you will be modelling in HO gauge, I suggest you obtain one or more of the Mantua/Tyco “General” locomotives. These are no longer manufactured, but they are to my knowledge the only mass-produced HO locomotive correct for the Civil War period. The early Mantua version (early 50’s) was all metal, and the later Tyco version (60’s-70’s?) was part plastic, and generally cheapened. This was a 4-4-0 and you can often find one on EBay for a reasonable price. Good luck on your project! Sincerely- Richard White in California
In the October 2000 Model Railroader, page 82, the excellent modeler Bernard Kempinski had an article about his model of the Alexandria waterfront, with United States Military engines. He showed them as gray with dark red stacks, pilots and cab trim. Perhaps Kalmbach could help you get in touch with Kempinski to see what his sources were
Ed Alexander’s book “The Collector’s Book of the Locomotive” and George Abdill’s Civil War Railroad book both have some interesting photos but of course none of them from the era are in color. Even though a war was on, one photo shows an extremely elaborate tender for the Gen McCallum 4-4-0
Dave Nelson
During the mid-19th century, Russia Iron was a popular finish for boiler jacketing. I think it was something like a polished pewter color, but can’t prove it. Cabs, running boards, end sills etc. were wood, frequently quite ornate in construction. I can’t help with exact colors, but they certainly were not basic black.
The real fun will be putting together a realistic infrastructure. If modeling in HO, the heaviest rail in common use would have been the equivalent of Code 55. In old photos, the rails look like two pencil lines.
According to the Official Ohio Rosters it was referred to as “The War of the Rebellion” but it was really “The War of Northern Aggression”.
Jon…I started out to build an N Scale layout for the same period but there was such a great lack of era-correct engines, rolling stock and even buildings I just gave up. Maybe there’s someone here who has greater knowledge of available items. I do wish you success.
As for me, I have contented myself to building a layout of the area between Frankenmuth and Holland, Michigan.