Challenger 3977 Color Question

There is plenty of fading going on with the 3977, I would just look for color photos from back in the day or one of the 844 when she was in the greyhound scheme.  I'm sure Steve and the guys got the color correct.

Be careful to check exactly which era you are modeling. I seem to remember information that some Challengers were painted in two-tone gray with yellow strips, and some with silver/gray strips. I've also heard some people say that the 3977 in North Platte, NE is NOT painted correctly. Since I model roughly the mid1950s era, I have never had any interest in the UP two-tone gray schemes.

Thanks.  Being 2- rail, I do not have the desire to be absolutely true to prototype.  I want this thing to look like the park locomotive.  I suspected the darker gray faded, but from recent photos it looks lighter than the rest of the loco.  The 2002 photos show the stripe as dark as the domes.  This is probably the best forum for this question in the whole world.  I wish Kratville was still around. - he would know.

You could always try a Google search for "Gray UP Challengers". You will be amazed at what you'll find.

Then why did you ask the question in the first place?

You said you want it to look like the park loco? I took these this May. I am not the worlds greatest photographer but these are recent.

I would read this, some great information on the TTG scheme.

And then this is on the Challengers.

For Steve - what I meant was, I did not have to match the locomotive as it ran.  A good 3- rail Scale modeler would have a fit if a Challenger appeared in a paint scheme not actually used in revenue service.  I like the yellow stripes.  I am just curious about the colors the park sprayed on the 3977.

I must admit that I find your approach to modeling quite confusing, to me anyway. You constantly chastise us 3RS modelers for having "that center rail", "incorrect track gauge", and "incorrect wheels", yet you don't care about the correct paint & styling fidelity to prototype??? Probably the single MOST VISIBLE component of model railroading, i.e. the paint & lettering job!  Unbelievable.

And for Chris - thank you.  Very detailed.  I had heard that none of the Challengers got yellow stripes, but now I know that was just a rumor.  Fortunately, Microscale still shows the decals I need.

I am kinda messing it up - my 3977 is a coal burner, but the real one is equipped for oil.

And for Hot - no I don't.  It confuses me when the tiniest detail must be correct, but the track is a "don't care", but that is different from chastising.  I think you should be able to run as many rails as you want, and yet be accurate in all other respects.

In your particular case, you have better looking locomotives than I, and a way better railroad.  My modeling is humble in comparison.  My personal hang up is track and wheels, but that does not mean I cannot appreciate what you guys do in 3-rail scale.

Your welcome.  And yes a rumor it was.  I have a DVD that has color film of the 3980 sporting yellow striping.

Two-Tone Gray Union Pacific.

UTAH Rails is a great resource.

Also Here is a link to a useful research article from 1980 by David Schmacher on the  TTG schemes and how to model them.  I found it very informative.

Link to article:

David Schumacher Article

Enjoy!

While I'm at it I'll make another begging request for a TTG silver/white striped 4-6-2 with vandy tender and matching heavyweight passenger cars! Are you listening Lionel??

That seems to be the definitive article.  Here is a quote:

"The paint scheme on the Challanger raises two questions: First, did Union Pacific ever apply yellow stripes and lettering to a Challenger? And, second, did Union Pacific ever apply the dark grey band to the Challenger smoke deflectors? No documentary evidence of the Yellow variation on a Challanger was uncovered in the course of the research for this article. Richard kindig, noted rail photographer, observes: "One thing I would like to bet on was that those 3900's never had yellow lettering"

But it does say that 3977 may have been grey as a coal burner.  Thanks for all the help.  I am off for a bottle of Scale Coat dark UP grey, and the yellow decals are ordered.  You guys are great!

Yes that is an interesting read and a great article, however in answering those questions- did they ever apply yellow stripes and lettering to a challenger-yes.  Did they apply dark grey to the smoke deflectors-no why would they the grey band is below the level of the deflectors on the challengers.  As for Mr.Kindig's remark, he would be wrong, they did have yellow lettering for a time.