Nothing like biting off more than you can chew !

Hi Bryan,

I have considered the same project, but for gp9's, rs11's, and rs3's for the Central Vermont.  Microscale does offer O scale sets for the green and yellow CN scheme, but not specifically for the Trainmaster.   The sets they do have that might be relevant are 48-540 and 48-531.

http://www.microscale.com/Merc...amp;Product_Count=43

http://www.microscale.com/Merc...amp;Product_Count=44

I don't know how the herald shape and size compare to that of a trainmaster, or how the letterboards compare in size.  But these sets might be adaptable.

A second possibility is Black Cat Decals/TMR Distributing.  They offer decals and dry transfers, and for a lot of Canadian models.  Best bet now is to call or email them.  Their new website seems nearly impossible to find stuff on easily. 

http://tmrdistributing.com/presta/index.php?

Last possibiltiy for the yellow nose areas and striping is to use a mask like Frisket cut to shape and applied and then painted.  Frisket is thin film with mild adhesive used as a mask in airbrushing.  This method would include multiple steps and be tedious, but may be the only way to obtain the specific result you want.

And oh yeah, the fourth way.  Custom.  If this is the way you go, consider Highball Graphics.  They already are used to doing O scale, and are willing to do smaller runs.  

http://www.mgdecals.com/homepage.htm

I hope this all helps, at least with the paint job and lettering.  I'd like to see and hear about your results.

Jim

I would try and find "as built" photos, because you never know what kind of "crap" may have been added/changed after the fact. One good thing is that if it isn't quite exactly correct, you will likely be the only one to know.

Simon