Dave Sheegog, a talented large scale modeler and member of this board, has been methodically researching the colors of the Disneyland Railroad locomotives for several months now. I felt the results of his efforts should be a "sticky" in the modeling Forum so that those so inclined will have an easy time locating the information. You can find Dave's thread on the the process elsewhere in this Forum, which contains lots of detailed tests and photos. This post is meant as a convenience.

Here are Dave's current recommendations for the colors of the Disneyland Railroad. We'll update this chart periodically as new or better information comes to light.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to Dave for his efforts. Thanks Dave!

Colors for Disneyland Locomotives

Here is the revised color chart. The black I have noted here has a little sheen to it even though it is named "Flat Black".

Colors for Disneyland Locomotives

All wheels: Model Masters - Guards Red 2918
All window trims: Model Masters - Guards Red 2918
All Smokeboxes: Tamiya Color - Light Gun Metal TS-42
All Cab interiors: Tamiya Color - Park Green PS-21

C. K. Holliday

Boiler: Dupli-Color- Dark Sapphire (M) EDSGM384
Cab and sides of roof hatch: Dupli-Color - Claret Red Metallic EDSCC365
Domes: Dupli-Color - Claret Red Metallic EDSCC365
Cowcatcher: Dupli-Color - Claret Red Metallic EDSCC365
Roof and Hatch Roof: Rust-oleum -Flat Black 245198
Headlamp: Dupli-Color - Claret Red Metallic EDSCC365
Tender: Dupli-Color - Claret Red Metallic EDSCC365
Tender grahic background: Model Masters - Guards Red 2918
Inside of tender flare: Rust-oleum - Dark Hunter Green 7733


E. P. Ripley

Boiler: Model Master - Fathom Green Metallic No 28120
Cab: Rust-oleum - Dark Hunter Green 7733
Domes: Ace - Gloss Black 17004
Cowcatcher: Dupli-Color - Claret Red Metallic EDSCC365
Roof and Hatch: Ace - Red Primer 17083/100021
Headlamp: Dupli-Color - Claret Red Metallic EDSCC365

Fred Gurley

Boiler: Dupli-Color- Dark Sapphire (M) EDSGm384
Cab: Rust-oleum - Dark Hunter Green 7733
Domes: Ace - Gloss Black 17004
Cowcatcher: Model Masters - Guards Red 2918
Roof and Hatch: Ace - Flat Black 7578
Roof & Hatch Trim: Ace - Red Primer 17083/100021
Headlamp: Model Masters - Guards Red 2918

Ernest S. Marsh

Boiler: Dupli-Color - Claret Red Metallic EDSCC365
Cab: Dupli-Color - Claret Red Metallic EDSCC365
Domes: Dupli-Color - Claret Red Metallic EDSCC365
Cowcatcher: Dupli-Color - Claret Red Metallic EDSCC365
Roof and Hatch: Ace - Red Primer 17083/100021
Headlamp: Dupli-Color - Claret Red Metallic EDSCC365

Ward Kimball

Boiler: Tamiya Color - Dark Mica Blue TS-64
Cab: Testors - Dark Red 1204
Domes: Testors - Dark Red 1204
Cowcatcher: Testors - Dark Red 1204
Roof (no hatch): Ace - Flat Black 7578
Roof Trim: Ace - Red Primer 17083/100021
Headlamp: Testors - Dark Red 1204

You may notice that Dupli-Color Claret Red is used a lot. This color is what we have been calling "maroon". It is not as maroonish as the prototype, but is a nice, rich, deep red with a bluish tint. It requires 4 to 5 coats to fully develop the deep color. It has the metallic fleck in it and as such will show well on the boiler of the Marsh, but would work better in all the other occurrences as a solid body color. (sigh)

These are my finalists for off-the-shelf, out-of-the-can sprays that will give good results.

Colors for Frontierland/New Orleans Square Station

Testors flat primer white
Floquil Depot Olive.

I should note where these paints can be obtained. The Model Masters and Tamiya colors are available at most hobby shops. The Rust-oleum is from Home Depot or other similar business and Ace paints are from Ace Hardware. The Dupli-Colors are for automove repair. I obtained them from Pep Boys. I have been told that they are also available at Walmart.

Dave, I am curious if you can find out which DRR Locomotive's red paint will match the Hartland juipiters red paint, the closest. This way I could choose the best lettering match for that locomotive? I can't find the juipiters paint code or description anywhere. Ken ISKoT

Ken,

I really don't know what color Hartland uses on the Jupiter. Maybe if you post a picture I could get an idea.

Ok let me see how burried the locomotive is in my trailer as I have it packed for my next event. I will try to get it out for a photo. Ken ISKoT09

Dave--

Since I've done this type of thing for another modelling genre (Star Trek Models) since about 1978, I can appreciate all the hard work and double and triple checking these colors can be. It's a very difficult task, because you have to "see" these colors in your mind, and then make them work together. The visit to the paint rack at the local hobby store can be a daunting challenge!!

I modified a C.K. Holliday in G (Bachmann 4-4-0) and 1956-era coaches for a client, who wanted the train--it was his dream. The day I presented the train, there were tears in his eyes from the joy of having it. Sadly, he recently passed away. I have the experience of taking that loco--and the passenger--cars completely apart, then painting and then re-assembly them.

My best appreciation for your hard work, since I know what it's like.

Thank you for making this possible, taking the guesswork out of the colors.

Paul M. Newitt

Here is an update of colors for the Retlaw 1 passenger train.

Retlaw 1 Passenger Train

Coach: Model Masters - Bright Yellow 2917
Doors and Windows: Model Masters - Guards Red 2918
Wheels: Model Masters - Guards Red 2918
Green Trim: Rust-oleum - Dark Hunter Green 7733
Trucks: Model Masters - Fathom Green Metallic 28120
Roof: Ace - Red Primer 17083/1000

Additional colors for Retlaw 1

Treads and landings: Railroad Colors - Caboose Red
Face of steps: Ace - Red Primer 17083/1000
Safety stripe: Ace - Flat Black 7578
Rails: Rust-oleum - Semi-gloss Black 249061

I hate to bump posts, and perhaps it's buried in another thread, but what is everyone using for the caboose, freight cars, and excursion cars? I don't see those listed.

The Ace Red Primer is a very close match for the freight cars and caboose. I have yet to model the Excursion cars, but they are on the "someday" list.