Re: Sumpter Valley Railway

Dale: As an Sn3 modeler who has built a few Sumpter Valley models I can tell you that you are in for a lot of fun. I began building caboose #5, modifying a PBL frameless tank car to SV’s narrow frame tank car (This was done a few months before PBL announced the narrow frame car, as usual), and modifying PBL’s DRGW #50 back to its proper configuration as #101, correct steps, headlight, and all. My interest was to see a nice model of the smaller 2-8-2’s ie. #15. That is now possible with the coming of EBT #12 in brass. Railmaster has 2-8-0’s. There could not be a better time to model such a neat line. I have backdated to what we could call the pre-Eccles era, I model the Utah Northern in the 1880’s. However, when the opportunity arises, I will find an EBT #12 and make the necessary detail changes for an SV 2-8-2.
As for the color questions, you have been well informed by others. My tank car is painted white and weathered with a light gray over spray. I did this because experience with silver paint has taught me that silver pigments are not stable and oxidize to a very light gray color. The pictures that I have seen of the tank car have all definitely shown oil spilled down the side, but I would like to further explore Taylor’s theory that the center section was panted black at one time, I have a hard time believing that oil would so perfectly cover the mid section as some photos suggest. I would also suggest a trip to Sumpter Valley country to get a real feel for what you are trying to capture. The railroad is far more than just the equipment.
Have Fun
Shay Stark