I don't have the MTH ES44 model yet, but I don't see anything wrong with color. I have 3 of the earlier run Interstate RS3s and this is how the cream color is on them. Also about 20 years ago I had some custom painted IRR HO diesels and the color looked the same, the custom painter used recommended paint colors from a long gone website that specialized in painting southeastern RRs.HO Sam was the guys nickname.
Originally Posted by Rusty Traque:
There was a hobby shop in Florida, one of the customers had is HO E7 model painted seafoam green by the Seaboard shops using the Seaboard's own paint.
Practically everyone who saw the model told him it was the wrong shade of green...
Rusty
Rusty... Ain't it the truth???
In our (LHS) neck of the woods the argument surrounds Grand Trunk Western greens and yellows....first generation diesels. O3R, HO, N...it doesn't matter the size or the manufacturer, the debate rages on!
What's even more 'comical' are the folks who spurn the long-awaited release for the disappointing color....only to, months later, ask if we can still obtain the same, spurned model for them. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Even more puzzling is that the layout lighting conditions under which most of these models are viewed changes the color perception again!! Not every modeler has taken the time or investment to create perfect 'daylight'-colored lighting for his/her layout. Incandescents, LEDs, cool-white flourescents, CFL's, ....whatever worked for, perhaps, a different set of criteria....never realizing the shift to the GTW greens and yellows....and a zillion other rr colors....like good ol' 'boxcar red'!!!
Ah, well, once again...could our founding fathers ever have fully understood the impact of the infamous First Amendment when it comes to choo-choo colors?
And so it goes....
KD
Originally Posted by Michigan & Ohio Valley Lines:
The only way to compare the two would be to photograph them one in front of the other, at the same time. Even then, the colors would be slightly off, because of the difference in finish.
Yes, but also with the prototype and possibly a color wheel or paint guide for reference. FWIW, I was disappointed that the MTH's ES44AC models reversed the door and grab irons on the engine's nose.
I looked forward to both M & L's PRR version, but I liked the IMO "truer" color of M over the "brownish" L version, but I prefer L's use of gloss which is true to the prototype. long story short, I passed on both PRR.
Aside from the irrelevant 'they are just toys' comment, I find this to be a pretty interesting thread. As a modeler, I enjoy threads that discuss the accuracy of models.
Its interesting seeing how different photos of the same engine seem to bear out different shades of color. Giving the time the prototypical engine has been in service, its likely not a matter of paint fading, but how different lighting or maybe cameras capture the same image.
I haven't seen any of the MTH or Lionel heritage locomotives in person, but, wonder, if spraying the Lionel models with 'dullcote" would give a more prototypical appearance?
Jim
Originally Posted by Allan Miller:
I saw the MTH model today. I don't know anything about the prototype paint scheme, but the model sure is a sharp looking engine.
This is where not knowing anything about real trains (or models for that matter) really pays off for me. I know very little and purchase only what I like so I'm happy with most everything. Also like you, I try to stay with mostly one road name, BNSF. It's about all I can afford anyway!
Originally Posted by scott.smith:
I read threads like this and can easily understand why manufacturers are scaling back a bit on their 3-rail O gauge offerings.
It's amazing isn't it. Add to that most of us men are partially color blind. The MTH Cream and the Lionel cream are the same. There is a little variation on the orange; however that might be attributed to the fact that Lionel used a gloss finish and MTH used a matte finish.
Scott Smith
There must be something to the color blind thing in men, my wife sees a lot of colors differently that I do. I always thought it was the women though (please don't let my wife see this part) 
I wear the pants in my family around here! (But, when I get home I have to give them back to my wife!)
Not long after 8105 arrived on the property, it had some kind of problem that kept it at NS's Shaffer's Crossing locomotive shop for quite a while. I got to see it everyday, morning and night for about a month and I can guarantee that it looked exactly like it does in Scott's picture below taken at the VMT. So, I don't see what the complaint seems to be.
What is amazing is that, looking at all of the color photos available online of 8105 and vast color differences between them. Scott's photo is as good as they get.
Originally Posted by scott.smith:
MTH's locomotive is correct.
Note the white stripes at the bottom is different from the tan up top.
And there we have it, seriously the official word on the color on the Interstate unit. It does appear to be correct so the colors are right. I think it looks awesome as well.
Whether the color is tan, vanilla or off white, all I know is that it is, in my opinion, along with the Central of Georgia the two most beautiful of the MTH ES44AC models. And with silver trucks the Interstate takes first prize. What a gorgeous locomotive. The orange is almost a perfect match for the lighter of the two oranges on the SP Daylight.
The people at MTH did the paint scheme and colors right. The colors match. The vents look authentic.
Andrew
Originally Posted by turbgine:
Whether the color is tan, vanilla or off white, all I know is that it is, in my opinion, along with the Central of Georgia the two most beautiful of the MTH ES44AC models. And with silver trucks the Interstate takes first prize. What a gorgeous locomotive. The orange is almost a perfect match for the lighter of the two oranges on the SP Daylight.
I'm not too prototypically inclined, so don't know about the colors and don't really care. However that is a very nice looking locomotive. One of the neatest I've seen I think. I try to model just one road name (BNSF), but if I was to add another this would be it. I really like their colors! Heck, I may have to try and get one anyway...
saw one today at kirtland ohio train show,,imho...its all in the lighting,,outside it would look perfect inside a bit more on a tan verses cream color,,either way it was very nice,, id buy it !! they had all twenty on display,,,very cool..conrail john
