Most Interesting Paint Schemes

Those words are not in the question. Read the question as written and not how you construe it.

My answer above (ATSF Warbonnet) was made on that basis.  It does happen to be my favorite, although some of the European/British glossy lacquer-and-gold schemes are a very, very close second.  

But Warbonnet is certainly the most interesting paint scheme ever put on a locomotive and train for many reasons: its history with Knickerbocker and GM and the fact that it was patented, not just copyrighted, because of its style and use of color, shape, etc., because of its association with what is arguably the most iconic train of the 20th century - the Super Chief, and because, frankly, the Warbonnet F3s are maybe the iconic toy train of the post-war era in the minds of so many Americans.  

To be fair, I did overgeneralize.  Some of the replys can make a very convincing argument that they're the most interesting.    The Rail Runner, the Warbonnet, the Seaboard E units, the Milwaukee FMs with their chrome noses, some of the Heritage units...  VERY visually interesting.

Some of the other responses... like a black GS4... if you tell me you think it's beautiful, I can't disagree, if you tell me it's your favorite, great, but INTERESTING?  What exactly makes a black steam locomotive more interesting that every other black steam locomotive?  It's history?  Well great, that makes it an interesting ENGINE, not an interesting paint scheme.

See, words are important, although I seem to be in an ever shrinking portion of the American populace who believes that.

The "Citrus" scheme Seaboard Air Line used on this E4A IMO is most interesting (although I like the scheme with the roof painted dark green better, dirt/grime wasn't as noticeable).  The pilot on this engine reminds me of a suit of armor:

And as much as I love my Seaboard, the Great Northern "Glacier" paint scheme is my favorite.

I found Mr. Wowak’s observations regarding the use of the terms “interesting” and “favorite” and how they fit into the intended spirit of Mr. Kirkman’s thread very thought provoking. Earlier in the thread, I posted an image of a C&O SD50 painted in Chessie livery. As I mentioned in my post, I like several different schemes. As I reflected on my post after reading Mr. Wowak’s comments, I realized I had posted the Chessie image because I actually find it to be the most “interesting” of the schemes I prefer most. I find the Chessie scheme intriguing because it very cleverly combines the elements of contemporary styling of the time at which it was developed– bold graphics and flashy colors – and traditional railroad advertising – C&O’s sleeping kitten. I believe the end result was a successful portrayal of a forward thinking carrier still very much aware of its roots.

Here’s another of my “favorite” schemes:

Why is it a favorite? I grew up in CNJ territory and saw these units every day. That said, do I think it’s an “interesting” scheme? Hardly.

Bob

I completely agree - about the black locos and about words.  Good point, both about writing and reading - not using words correctly in either of those two activities leads to mis-communication.  

Edit: I'm not sure many black locos were even painted, as such - at least their owners didn't think of it as a paint scheme, I think, any more than the owners of ocean going ships used to think of the red bottom of the hull as a paint scheme.

How about Lee's "Union Pacific" Legacy bullet nosed J?

Certainly qualifies as 'interesting'...

Maybe some people's favorite livery or thing iswhat it is because at one time it was there most interteresting livery or thing!

Rick - I don't think asking for clear, concise use of words is imposing your opinion on others: let them say whatever they mean, but it's nice when their words mean what they are trying to say.

Speaking of interesting: you have a unique reason to want the Lionel catalog to be released, I must say.  Most of us are eager because we hope there is something in it we want - maybe even want to buy!

So what he's really asking is what are interesting and/or favorite color schemes for well-known models (i.e. the #50 gang car above).

In fairness, I don't think anyone has really responded to /that/ question.

Well Lee, it "appears" most of the responses were in regards to the first part of the OP's question. "I was wondering what your favorite paint schemes are?"

 As well as the second half of the last part of the question, "so what are your favorite paint schemes?"

It "appears" Wowak responded to the first half the last line of the OP's question, "I thought this was interesting,"........

2 favorites vs. 1 interesting.

Maybe the question should be correctly asked before responders are chastised for answering the question as it was worded.

As far as the catalog goes well,catalog the complaints are at least train related.

RickO, you nailed it!

i didnt know this would have become a doctoral dissertation on interesting versus favorite. i am enjoying the images despite the extraneous and overwrought signal noise over trivial dust bunnies.

Some really surprising picks and striking images.

Interesting, attractive, and a personal favorite:

Good Day Allan,

This one is for you, presenting the Alaska RR GP49!

Regards,

Swafford

It was suppose to be a show your favorite, or what you think is most interesting (since they are different) but I was trying to ask for favorite model train with a paint scheme that is not found any full size locomotive, and that is kinda unique.  Like the #50, which is painted in the girl colors, which is unlike even any other model I have seen.  I guess that is kind of a long question though. 

For the OP, I found an interesting locomotive theme.

Lionel 2012 Ready To Run Catalog, pages 30 and 31:

Hershey's O Gauge Freight Set

0-8-0 locomotive and tender in Hershey's chocolate

Various freight cars of various Hershey products, e.g., Reeses, Twizzlers, Krackel, Kisses, etc. 

Not recommended for those with Type 1 or 2 diabetes. 

These are available in HO. I wish they were in O, also.

What are the most complicated and intricate paint schemes applied on a O Gauge or O Scale model?

That is a more precise question.

Andrew

This is the most interesting paint scheme in my opinion

My favorite would be SP Daylight Livery 

Delighted with the semantics, but blown away with the good photos!  Very nice and colorful thread.  My favorite is Daylight.  I'll go get a photo.

For me, most interesting has to be Central of Georgia E-7.  The juxtaposition of blue, orange, and grey is fascinating.

Hey bob!!My grand parents used to tell about the trains they saw.When they were younger.This is one of the locomotives they saw.And I agree with you on this one pretty slick paintjob.I also liked the one that white and red paintjob.By the time I came on to the world.It was the seaboard coast line I liked that one to the herold on the front.Of the locomotives and the orange cabosse with the black lettering.

Hmmmn...

How about MTH's 2013 RRC ES44AC? Nice rendition of the GE paint scheme in purple and yellow. {I got lucky getting this one}

And, Lionel's blue and white rendition of the NS SD70ACe a few years back? {I'd like to get one of these in the future}

Emil,

The scheme looks very 'Wabash like'. I kind of remember this. Looks good to me!

So does the WM "Circus" scheme!

I am with Wowak....With Kirkman's example, interesting might apply to the girl's

train and the Marx bunny train, both "Edsel" marketing failures.   The center fold

in the 1941 Locomotive Cyclopedia has many colorful and attention getting liveries

on early cab units.  But there I would have to pick a favorite, and it might be for my

bias for a favorite railroad, and not the most striking and colorful.  Interesting might

include the Triplex, as a model of an unsuccessful locomotive.  Prototype example

might be the ancient locomotive  built with all weight on its drivers to climb the

very steep rise from the Ohio River bank up out of the valley in Madison, Ind. to connect Indianapolis with river traffic.  That loco was in the basement of the Indianapolis Children's Museum when I saw it, and the little or not used track still

in place down the grade to the Ohio's riverbank.  Interesting might apply to the question: "How many different, distinct brands of O gauge three rail trains, producing any RTR rolling stock, not a kit, have been made?"

Bob2 good call. I find them interesting, my favorite and well seasoned. Don

Found this, I am guessing it was copied off of the Wabash as well.  

Plus 1 for Southern Pacific Daylight as favorite scheme.

I was lucky enough to get the MTH DAP set when it was released and it's my favorite. I saw it right after getting the set a few years ago going through Gainesville but didn't have a camera with me. The other day I stopped at the bank ATM across from Lowe's in Gainesville and was halfway through the transaction when I heard the roar of a approaching diesel and a glance over my shoulder and I caught a glimpse of the NS F-7's coming through the trees at the bend. Pulled out my Blackberry and shot a short video clip. Got the shot even though as you hear someone tries to go to the ATM machine with it still open with my information in it. lol!

Paul:

What a wonderful video. You sure were Johnny-on-the-spot. This is one passenger train that I missed and I sure wish I has it.

That was my lucky day, same as when I purchased the set was a lucky one for me. The DAP sets had been delivered before I heard about them and called around and found a dealer that had a complete set. The lucky thing was the day I called. It was the store's anniversary that day and they had a sale on everything in the store, if memory serves me correct it was an additional 25% off!

I'll go with the Rio Grande F3

I'm shocked and suprise you guys didnt even think of this train..Is the most beautiful paint scheam on a diesel yet...