In the not-too-distant future, I shall be starting a "Golden Arrow" models version of the Mk3 version unrebuilt Merchant Navy loco, and I've decided I want to paint it in the experimental BR "Express Blue", which BR trialled for a period during the mid 50's I understand. Does anyone know what the correct colour for this is, preferably Railmatch Acrylic, as I don't use enamel paints. I imagine since Hornby did several loco's (including my rebuilt Merchant Navy "Canadian Pacific") in that colour, it might feature in their Humbrol acrylic paint range, so I could use that if I can't find a "Railmatch" colour. Any help/advice appreciated. Keith.
Sorry Keith, out with my knowledge base but it sounds interesting. You are on fire with the builds at the moment. Toto
Hi Keith Quick search of RMWeb gave Phoenix precision paints P102 B.R. Steam Light Loco Blue (1949-1951) For Halfords paints possible candidates are Ford "Fjord " Blue and Ford "Maritime" Blue. Paul
I think that might be the correct colour Paul, but not sure if it's acrylic or enamel. I don't really want to go down the enamel paints route as it's so much easier with water based acrylic paints, less smelly too! I was rather hoping to find a "Railmatch" colour as I find them good to work with compared to some others, good colour matches too. Keith.
Hi Keith, I cannot work out if this is water based or spirit based but this link may be useful for your needs. https://fox-transfers.co.uk/paint/phoenix-precision-br-steam-locomotive-light-blue cheers for now Paul
Hi Paul. I had a look on Fox's site shortly after posting (while ordering more paint for the 4CEP unit) and unfortunately, it's an enamel, so not going for that. Had a look on the Humbrol site, they show actual colour 'splodges', but obviously that can vary according to monitors. You'd expect that since Hornby own Humbrol, that they would list the appropriate colour to match the various loco's they produced over the years in that same "Express Blue", but apparently not! They show a "French Blue gloss" which seems a reasonable comparison with the finish on my 'MN' tender, but the again, monitors can vary. I may well end up mixing my own with the "French Blue" lightened with some acrylic white! Keith
Hi Keith, That's a shame as water based paint often applies much better with care, now French Blue is the colour used to pick out water pipes and plumbing on Corporate Blue Era locos BS381c166 and just looking here http://www.e-paint.co.uk/BS381%20Colourchart.asp I wonder if adding some white as you mention you'd then get the colour Light French Blue BS381c175 which might do the trick, or maybe buy a pot of the solvent based paint and cross match it for a correct colour hue in mixing your own? cheers for now Paul
Keith remember the colours varied batch to batch anyway, I've seen the spray shop walls at Crewe, and there was more shades of blue on the wall (used to clean the nozzles) than I've had hot dinners and I've had quite a few hot dinners . Have a look at the Tamiya paints you may find a suitable blue in their range - Hobbycraft stock them if you have a local branch. Paul
paul_l wrote: Hot dinners Keith... what are those? Yes you are correct... the Corporate was only strictly corporate when the railway corporate inspectors were around making sure everything conformed to a corporate thin blue hue. Sorry I just couldn't resist that one mate. Cheers for now Paul
