well, generally in "finescale" modeling circles it is excepted that you should whiten paints somewhat (compared to the full size colors) to make them look correct in scale...so it doesn't surprise me that colors that match the prototype perfectly could look a little dark...

I can say that when I was building aircraft models I build a couple models with the exact paint match as the real planes (I had a friend that worked with a WWII aircraft restoration place) and the models looked VERY, VERY WRONG...I've always gone a bit lighter when I paint models since then

This is great input. There is a scale issue and a reflectivity issue and a "Disney blends their own colors" issue. I found a lighter, greyer blue at Pep Boys tonight. It look good under my incandescent light right now. I will photograpg it in the sun tomorrow. My goal will be to select paints that, when photographed on the model, will creae a very similat likeness to a phtograph of the prototype at the same angle and same sun conditions.

I'm well aware of the idea that modelers (mostly those who model indoors, under less-bright lighting conditions compared to outdoor sunlight) might need to lighten their colors in order to simulate sunlight.

However, Dave's models are to be used out doors in full sunlight, and would not necessarily need to be artificially "brightened."

Additionally, as an artist I'm also aware of how colors compare to each other--and the cab color versus the window frames stand out as contrasting far too much, leading to my belief that the cab color is darker than it should be.

EDIT: My brain has been thinking of the earlier Holliday scheme, with the lighter red. Now that the engine has been repainted, the darker red does seem more appropriate.

You do have a point about the level of contrast. I think that the cab color is about right, but the windows may be too light. Take a look at the 2 photos below. In tht first, even though the cab is in shadow, it is clear that there is contrast. In the second photo, in sunlight, the contrast appears much less. I have repainted teh windows in Model Master "Dark Red" As soon as the rain lets up, I will shoot another picture with the lighter blue boiler adn the darker red windows.
[img]http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo345/CPTRR/Rollingstock131.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo345/CPTRR/holidaynameplate.jpg[/img]

And, the gloss issue. Many modelers paint everything dead flat. Personally, I think that draws as much attention as the reflections from a miniature painted in high gloss. When it comes to Disney park engines, they're kept immaculately clean, so some shine is appropriate.

Also, if you use smoke, it'll condense on the train, and really draw attention to flat finishes.

sorry...

I think we are getting close now. The rain has ended dn here are the promised photos. The first shows window trim in "Dark Red". The second is "Guards Red", Both use Dupli-Color "Twillight Blue" on the boiler.
[img]http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo345/CPTRR/Gurley-Kimball/Gurley081.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo345/CPTRR/Gurley-Kimball/Gurley082.jpg[/img]
Right now, I prefer the second. And I may keep the old boiler color for the Gurley.

Anyone know if Pep Boys carries Boyd paint? I need to get some more Smoothster Yellow and I wasn't sure if they had it. Otherwise, I'd have to go out to Burbank House of Hobbies...

I have found "Colors by Boyd" in 3 oz. cans at Ultimate Hobbies (Tustin and Katella in Orange) and at Hobby People (Chapman and Glassell in Orange)

Dave,

I agree with you on the guards red. Dark red, in sunlight, looks a shade too dark to me. Your boiler color looks incredible, can't wait to see it with the domes and brass bands on.