Paints for model trains and rolling stock

[McColm]

Hi Guys,
I'm thinking of changing the liveries on the Hornby/Lima HST 125 to represent the " Blue/ Grey Pullman" and perhaps the "Brown & Cream" paint schemes.

Are there special paints ie colours or can you use any enamel paints?
Can you use waterbased paints as an alternative?
Is the preparation the same for trains as it is for model kits?

I've also been looking out for suitable decals for wagons and coaches for Whiffing in 00/Ho scale.

[Dizzyfugu]

Check USA sources. AFAIK, Modelmaster offers a range of authentic US railroad colors (enamels, IIRC), and you find US railroad decals. Continental markings are more difficult, you will surely have to improvise. Anyway, prep and painting is just as on a "normal" model, but you should be very accurate. Stencils might also become a problem, since these are hard to replace, too. And if you start weathering, be careful that you won't stain mechanical parts, if you want to keep the thing operational.

[McColm]

Thanks,
Is the Railmatch range any good?

[NARSES2]

Humbrol do rail colours and here's the link to the list at Wonderland

https://www.wonderlandmodels.com/paints-glues/humbrol/railway-acrylic-paints/

There's also other specialty companies in the U. Google it or look in a Railway Modelling mag in Smiths

[McColm]

Thanks,
Will do.

[PR19_Kit]

LOADS of possibilities there!

As Chris says get a copy of any of the umpteen model railway mags at WH Smith and check the adverts. 'Railway Modeller', 'British Railway Modelling' (BRM on the cover) or 'Model Rail' are three of the best.

You can get replacement stencils and even custom made decals and stuff if you need to as well.

[kerick]

Floquil is the brand I've heard of the most when painting trains in the US. There was talk of it being discontinued but hobby linc and Amazon have it.

[PR19_Kit]

Floquil's good stuff but they make mainly US railroad colours and it has a weird base. It needs special thinners and cleaners too.

[Howard of Effingham]

Is the Railmatch range any good?

railmatch paints are very good indeed, mccolm as are precision paints railway range. neither are cheap. but these two ranges are wide in scope and very
accurate as far as I know. I have used railway shades of paint several times over the years on whiffs and real models as no other shade was near enough.

I am not sure of any London area stockists of these ranges though.

[PR19_Kit]

I was waiting for your comments on here Trevor. 

[McColm]

Thanks for your comments.

[piko1]

most of the train colors are in RAL or FS depends on the era and the country so that's what i can suggest just look in your fav paint company catalog most of the paints have RAL or FS numbers so it must be easy
about weathering there is one set from Vallejo but it's very bad i still cant use it correctly even after 5 years  

[McColm]

Thanks for that tip.