Just because it matches the Genesis models doesn’t make it correct. For that matter, just because ModelFlex matched a Dupont color chip doesn’t make it correct, either. We’re probably long past being ‘correct’. I can state categorically that Walters didn’t get it right. I made a color chip with CB&Q Imitation Aluminum yesterday when this question was first posted, and I compared it to both Intermountain and Walthers P2K F units. The ModelFlex paint is much darker and much grayer than either Intermountain or Walthers models under 6500K and 5000K lights of relatively high intensity. Obviously that’s not as bright as sunlight but I used 2700 lumen bulbs with a CRI of 85 (100 is pure sunlight). The ModelFlex paint may match the Dupont color chip, but we modelers have to decide how our models ‘should’ look under layout lights of much different color temperatures and much less intensity. Besides, when was the color chip that ModelFlex matched made, and what about color drift over 35 years of F unit service. I made a color chip of ModelFlex CB&Q Gray (Blackbird gray) some time ago and compared the Imitation Aluminum to CB&Q Gray. I compared both chips to color photos selected for color fidelity by eye (good lighting, good photography, minimal film artifacts, closeup views, etc.), and CB&Q Gray seems spot on (well, maybe a little dark for layout lighting), while Imitation Aluminum has a decided tannish gray tone that I don’t see on commercial models or in prototype photographs. The tannish tint is particularly noticeable when the chips are side by side. Imitation Aluminum could be lighten by adding white, but I’m not sure that would eliminate the tannish gray tones. I think the yellowish color (I call it tannish) is from the paint and DullCote simply accentuates it. I’ve painted several Blackbirds, but no F units, and I’m not sure what mix I’d use if I had to do so. I certainly wouldn’t use Imitation Aluminum straight out of the bottle, and I’d probably try for a custom mix that ‘looks right’ under layout lighting.
Nelson Moyer
From: CBQ@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CBQ@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2014 5:33 PM
To: CBQ@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [CBQ] F7 Grayback Paint Suggestions for Modeling
Keith,
I’ll also weigh in. The Modelflex Immitation Aluminum looked very good to me. It matches Genesis’s Grayback scheme as well. Just don’t Dullcoat it when you are done. It’ll change to a creamy yellowish color. I recommend Model Masters Flat instead. So there are 2 CB&Q modelers that do agree on the color.
Sincerely,
Rob Manley
Midwest Mod-U-Trak
"Better modeling through personal embarassment"
From: CBQ@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CBQ@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 02, 2014 3:30 PM
To: CBQ@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CBQ] F7 Grayback Paint Suggestions for Modeling
Are there any CBQ modelers on this list that can advise me? I have an ABA set of unpainted F7 plastic diesel locomotives in S scale that I want to paint in the CBQ Grayback freight scheme. What available modeler 's paint should I buy at a hobby shop or order? Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
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