That is interesting. Were the rolled seams on the Russia Iron as prominent as molded by Bachmann? Also, I notice that the model boiler has a metal flake finish. I understand that at least one of the Disneyland engine boilers is, or was, painted with a metal flake paint. I've also run across people who confuse metal flake with metallic. Russia Iron was not a painted finish, and certainly not metal flakeᅳalthough it was metallic.

That's right Roy. Both my boiler jacket and my smokebox are metallic flake finishes. Not prototypical, but it gives the effect I wanted and is more pleasing to the eye than flat finishes. The green on the tender is also a metallic green finish.

nearly done. Just need green stripes on tender and some clear coat.

Started in earnest on the caboose today. Got all but the roof and handrails/marker lights painted.

Unfortunately the windows in the cupola are the wrong arrangement, so I have some alterations I need to do before finishing the paint scheme. Wish I'd remembered that. I have to "remove" the center windows

Devilish little details.

Had enough time to fix the cupola today and finished most of the paint work. I have to re-spray the main body of the caboose as it's too light in places. But that will be quick. Here are pics of my in progress caboose # 13.

Here's a before shot:



And after:

Got my green pinstripes in the mail today.......now the tender decor is finished. Also finished the artwork for the caboose decals. I printed these on plain paper for size correction and this is my final design for caboose #13.

Got the caboose decals applied. Decided to replace plastic handrails with metal.

Wow.......bravo.....bravisimo......any chance you're willing to share the graphic used to make your decals? I have a Eureka Palisade I'd luv to convert. And I thought it couldn't be done. Today you made a believer out of me.

John