I have photos of all of the head end cars I’m modeling, and all but one has ribbon font, but those photos were probably taken in the late 1950s or early 1960. I model 1953, so it’s conceivable that some cars would have been repainted by
then. Microscale offers ribbon font, but not Railroad Roman. Champ isn’t around anymore, and I don’t know of another source. If I can get some Champ decals, I’ll use them on as many cars as I have decals for, and the rest will get ribbon font. I have seven
head end cars to decal, and up to five need Railroad Roman if they materialize.
Nelson Moyer
From: CBQ@groups.io <CBQ@groups.io> On Behalf Of
Rupert Gamlen
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2022 10:28 PM
To: CBQ@groups.io
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Ribbon Font Question
From way, way back (and I’ve no idea who posted the message) –
As Ed DeRouin stated, the Q started repainting heavyweight equipment into the ribbonrail style lettering after the war (the earliest I've seen it applied was 1949). The ribbonrail style was either black or dulux gold
(except for the suburban service Chicago commuter cars which were the cream yellow) These types of cars would be RPO's, baggage, mail storage, diners, and coaches. Don't forget that the Pullman heavyweight sleepers were purchased by the railroad in 1948. On
the heavyweight sleepers, pictures show that the letterboard was either painted out, left in the Railroad Roman style lettering, or some received the black Zephyr style lettering. I have never seen a heavyweight sleeper in ribbonrail style lettering. (feel
free to correct me if I'm wrong, guys) Some of the sleepers were painted into shadow-stripe to be used to protect the DZ semi-articulated set. I have pictures of Clover Camp and Zephyr Tower in this scheme with Pullman in black Zephyr style lettering on the
letter board. Unfortunately, you need to decide which cars you are modeling and look for (or ask) about their particular lettering.
Rupert Gamlen
Auckland NZ
Nelson,
I'm sure that there is someone who knows for sure what was the "first" application, but here is what I know. The converted Troop kitchens in 1947-48
did not initially have the new lettering. The modernized suburban coaches in 1949 did have the new lettering. As far as I know the suburban cars that were painted in different paints schemes to be voted on by the commuters were the first to have the ribbon
font applied. The new font really took off in the early 50's with repainting and conversions.
Rich G.
-----Original Message-----
From: Nelson Moyer <npmoyer@hotmail.com>
To: CBQ@groups.io <CBQ@groups.io>
Sent: Tue, Aug 30, 2022 3:46 pm
Subject: [CBQ] Ribbon Font Question
When was the ribbon font (san serif) first applied to CB&Q passenger cars as a replacement for Railroad Roman (serif)?
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