Locomotive Painting Project

I decided to do a custom paint job on one of my older locomotives that I actually attempted to paint back in 2006-2007. The original attempt was going to be a blue and white paint scheme related to the old Rock Island Railroad Bankruptcy Blue scheme of 1975.

Incomplete custom paint job on a DC Athearn SW1500 

Stripped and ready to go 

After stripping off the old paint, I sprayed the loco with a flat primer gray. I tried to find a flat green paint to match as close to the Bachmann 70 ton switcher green as I could. Unfortunately, I could not find an exact match, and the green that looked best was only available in gloss finish. No big issue, since I could dull this down with Krylon 1311 matte spray, and a whole lot of weathering. I'm looking for a switcher that looks quite dirty. 

Initial Painting 

I went ahead and sprayed the unit with Krylon 1311 Matte Spray to dull down the gloss. Next, I applied my custom decals made from an old set from Testors. After the decals set, I then painted the handrails with yellow acrylic paints. 

Fresh from the Factory 

The next step was to apply Monroe Models Weathering Powders to further dull the glossy paint. After applying the powders, I gave the loco shell a light coat of Krylon 1311. 

I use a variety of acrylic tube paints (I like the Liquitex brand) in burnt sienna, burnt umber, black, and white to create various grease and dirt stains. I also apply a bit of India Ink and alcohol wash to various areas, but a light touch and light quantity of wash is advisable. The AI wash interacts with the Krylon 1311 matte spray that can turn everything into a heavy white haze. A light touch helps to control the hazing, and I was able to haze a few areas where I wanted it. I wanted an extremely dirty looking loco to represent age and use. 

The Completed Project 

In Service on the Layout 

Before and After

Overall, I'm pleased with how it turned out. Not perfect, but good enough for me. I feel more confident with attempting this in the future with a locomotive I have on my wish list. I'm now hooked on sound-equipped locos, so I will be adding a high-end model to the roster when my hobby budget allows me to buy one. 

Tom