Re: Grande Gold:More Questions

Ron:
Yes, unquestionably, the Silver and Gold colors were designed with Colorado's mining heratige in mind for the "Prospector". The striking colors must have made an immediate impression.
As to the change to the wider single stripe, covering the entire belt rail, it was easier and faster to apply. The new steel cars are also straight, so there isn't the problem of the bowed belt rail to contend with. The double stripe came from the stripes on the tenders, which were duplicated from the Prospector scheme. The black trucks were another good idea, as they set off the gold body in greater contrast. The aluminum color on the roof of the cars would have helped keep them cooler on hot summer days, as well.
I don't know who cooked up the gold color, or where it came from, but it is almost exactly the color of Butterfinger candy bar wrappers. Floquil's Poly S D&RGW Gold color looks right in the bottle, but you have to add about 10% white to have it look right when it dries, and you have to use a lot of gloss lacquer. I'm working on modeling the Silverton train in On3.
Mike
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