What are some of your favorite sporty engine schemes? I learned about this Rock Island retro scheme a few months ago and then found out that MTH did it. Although I mainly do CB&Q/BNSF, these were so attractive to me, I had to have them. Rest is history. Also always found the NP Canoe scheme on their GP units to have a lot of impact, would own one if it presented itself.
Even if they aren't the road you model, what are some of the schemes you've always found pleasing to your eye?
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While I only want to run steam, some of the earliest F's, E's, and PA's, circa 1940,
for the Rock Island and Mopac, appeal to me as having the most striking paint jobs.
That CB&Q SD9, you just had to put that up there........ Seriously though, it's a beautiful engine. Someday I just hope to find any decent O SD7 or 9 to work with at all, saving my decals for just such an occasion.
Erik, is that PSC? Someday.....
Nope. These modern Diesels do not do it for me, no matter how colorful the paint. On the other hand, a good PA looks good with almost any paint scheme.
Opinion: The only older paint schemes I do not care for are Wabash, some MoPac, and the Rock Island passenger scheme. There are some strange FM switcher schemes that I don't care for, but they are really obscure.
For McQ - if you are on a budget and can overlook the incorrect length of the trucks, the MTH SD-9 or 7 ( I don't know the difference) is a very good looking model. I have one of them and an identically painted PSC, and I usually just run the MTH.
That Seaboard, good lord that's pretty.
Nope. These modern Diesels do not do it for me, no matter how colorful the paint. On the other hand, a good PA looks good with almost any paint scheme.
Opinion: The only older paint schemes I do not care for are Wabash, some MoPac, and the Rock Island passenger scheme. There are some strange FM switcher schemes that I don't care for, but they are really obscure.
For McQ - if you are on a budget and can overlook the incorrect length of the trucks, the MTH SD-9 or 7 ( I don't know the difference) is a very good looking model. I have one of them and an identically painted PSC, and I usually just run the MTH.
I remember that SD9 from O scale News. As I recall, you sectioned the frame to drop it to the correct ride height. I have a couple of them in Rail King Scale (old Premier tooling) and actually thought about doing that modification. Maybe if I decide to fix the pilots and install Kadees.
Can't remember if you added the "coffee can" safety lights like the PSC model had.
I think this one is kinda sporty. The decoration implies motion even when standing still. I was fortunate enough to acquire this from a fellow forum member.
Mac - keep looking for the Weaver. 2- rail versions exist, they eBay for under $500, and they are not only well painted and baked, but also they are rugged, with sufficient detail. I know nothing about 1990s Overland except that I will not allow it in my shop because I do not want to be responsible for stuff that falls off.
Recently posted, fresh paint on ARR GP-40 Photos are © so I didn't want to post them.
Mac - keep looking for the Weaver. 2- rail versions exist, they eBay for under $500, and they are not only well painted and baked, but also they are rugged, with sufficient detail. I know nothing about 1990s Overland except that I will not allow it in my shop because I do not want to be responsible for stuff that falls off.
Bob, you're a hoot! After seeing this I can almost forgive you for the Wabash remark.... 
Jeff C
These are all great, hope to see more. There are a few modern schemes
that could be considered sporty. The ARR loco is a good example. I think the
KCS also has a sporty look to it. Maybe someone should paint
a race car up like this and see how it looks.
Geoff
I guess this doesn't count as its fantasy ... and I never bought one ... but, when Lionel came out with this heritage unit's "sporty" paint job, I said WOW.
Geoff,
That KCS unit is really sharp. Another really nice looking heritage unit is the SP SD70ace.
Jim,
So these lionel engines, the schemes are lionel creations? AC6000 right?
I couldn't find a really nice photo, but I've always thought the Reading Crusader not look looked sporty it looked like a knight in shining armor:
I rememeber a man named Swafford? who would do images of CB&Q modern diesels, like an SD 70 in black. Wow. wish some would come out painted like that.
Phil
Matt,
I agree with your view of the sporty paint job. The first O-Scale model I ever bought was the UP heritage Missouri Pacific SD70ACe.
These are just my opinion,
Thanks,
Naveen RajanI think this one is kinda sporty. The decoration implies motion even when standing still. I was fortunate enough to acquire this from a fellow forum member.
Sporty paints jobs? We'll opinion that Santa Fe Warbonnet is #1 with a bullet, other REALLY sporty schemes to me in no order; New Haven McGinnis, SP Lark Grey and Red Cab, NYC Lightening Stripes, SAL Mint Green and Crimson Trim, CN Red Cab and B&W, Rock Island Silver and Maroon Cab, DRG&W "Prospector" scheme, B&M McGinnis Blue, White & Black, NdeM Red Cab Pullman green body, Alton/GM&O's scheme
it's all pretty subjective but if I'm fortunate I'll be able to paint and decal an example of each for my own edification.
Neat topic
That Seaboard, good lord that's pretty.
Sweet!
Stripes
I've always been rather fond of this one:
Rusty
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