Like many of you I also reach for the transition period, preferring the late steam power and some early diesel. However, like any time of transition it is difficult to get accurate models without modifying them.
1946-1954 and more narrowly I shoot for 1948-1952 (Pretty picky I know) in an effort to model to actual time period photos.
The UP had more than a few changes over this period. I love the Two-Tone Gray of secondary trains, but trying to find Yellow schemed diesel power and passenger equipment with correct gray trucks is difficult. Everybody seems to like the later silver (1958+). Flashy for sure, but done to death in my opinion
- Diesel trucks were painted Aluminum/Silver beginning 1954-1955. (ex// ALCO PA #607 photos 11/54 have gray trucks, 7/55 have silver)
- 3/52 UP announced all Passenger equipment to be painted yellow and gray. Some select older equipment still managed to ride it out to the end in Olive or TTG.
- 6/58 UP issued instructions whenever passenger equipment is serviced trucks were to be painted aluminum/silver.
- Alco PA Union Pacific winged nose heralds had only "Union Pacific" (at least through late 1955) the 'Railroad' wasn't added in changes begining in the late 1950s even though other newer diesels models begain having 'Railroad' included as early as 1950. It was removed again in 1969.
Curse you 2-railer guys and your accuracy! I've been infected by your desire to model it right. Oh, the books, and magazines, online sites, and photo research....on and on......
Now to get an accurate 1952-1954 ALCO PA/PB and Harriman consist I'm faced with the daunting prospect of spending a lot of money on new models and then immediately repainting certain things, fabricating pilot doors, and possibly replacing decals. I guess that's the fun of the hobby!
What have I done..........
