Repainting Hartland Mack - what colour?

[Zerogee]

I recently acquired one of the cute little Hartland (HLW) Mack switchers, very nice except for the unpainted plastic cab being in a rather insipid (to my taste) lemon yellow colour, which I really don't like. Seeing as I was going to strip the whole thing down anyway to DCC-chip it (with a Massoth LS loaded with the Pigsnout Railbus petrol motor sounds), I'm going to respray it in a better colour before it goes back together - but the trouble is, I can't decide what colour! I'd thought about green, but that would make it look very much like the Breitenau steeple-cab electric that I already have (the two locos are a very similar shape), so I'd probably avoid green. Most likely choices are blue, red or something a little more exotic like orange or even purple. - - though even a brighter yellow than the existing plastic colour might be a possible contender.

Just wondered what you good chaps would do if it was yours?

While I'm asking, I'd also thought of painting diagonal black-and yellow warning stripes on all four corners of the chassis of the Mack (the footplate/frame assembly will stay black, whatever colour I do the body) - would this look anachronistic on such a vintage loco type? When did this sort of warning marking become commonplace in the real world?

Jon.

 

[KeithT]

I recently acquired one of the cute little Hartland (HLW) Mack switchers, very nice except for the unpainted plastic cab being in a rather insipid (to my taste) lemon yellow colour, which I really don't like. Seeing as I was going to strip the whole thing down anyway to DCC-chip it (with a Massoth LS loaded with the Pigsnout Railbus petrol motor sounds), I'm going to respray it in a better colour before it goes back together - but the trouble is, I can't decide what colour! I'd thought about green, but that would make it look very much like the Breitenau steeple-cab electric that I already have (the two locos are a very similar shape), so I'd probably avoid green. Most likely choices are blue, red or something a little more exotic like orange or even purple. - - though even a brighter yellow than the existing plastic colour might be a possible contender.

Just wondered what you good chaps would do if it was yours?

While I'm asking, I'd also thought of painting diagonal black-and yellow warning stripes on all four corners of the chassis of the Mack (the footplate/frame assembly will stay black, whatever colour I do the body) - would this look anachronistic on such a vintage loco type? When did this sort of warning marking become commonplace in the real world?

Jon.

I painted mine maroon and picked out the badge in black and silver.

 

[KeithT]

Suits me.

 

[Zerogee]

Now that's very nice, Keith - a good choice of colour, suits the little feller well!

Do you recall what the name of the colour and type of paint was? Car spray? Not necessarily going to use exactly the same on mine, just curious...?

Thanks for the response and the pic.

One more question - before respraying, did you sand off the (screen-printed?) "Mack" script on the cab sides, or is it flat enough to disappear under a primer and topcoat?

Jon.

 

[KeithT]

Now that's very nice, Keith - a good choice of colour, suits the little feller well!

Do you recall what the name of the colour and type of paint was? Car spray? Not necessarily going to use exactly the same on mine, just curious...?

Thanks for the response and the pic.

One more question - before respraying, did you sand off the (screen-printed?) "Mack" script on the cab sides, or is it flat enough to disappear under a primer and topcoat?

Jon.

It's Plasticote 3108 Warm Aubergine Matt Super from Wilkinsons. Just 3 coats as I recall to cover the original bright orange.
As it pulls a rake of 12 Hartland kit wagons filled with "coal" I didn't want it to look too 'posh'.
I didn't need to remove the "Mack" logo it was flat enough to ignore.
It has lead added to give extra traction.

 

[MRail]

Thanks Keith,

That's very helpful.

M.R. No 20 "Jimmy"... (Jimmy Mac, when are you coming back?)
... is bright red, and I'm thinking of toning him down to maroon.

 

[Bram]

Quote (Jimmy Mac, when are you coming back?)

I like it, would look good with a bit of dirtying me thinks - that's just my opion tho

 

[Zerogee]

Quote (Jimmy Mac, when are you coming back?)

I like it, would look good with a bit of dirtying me thinks - that's just my opinion tho

Yes, I'm very tempted to try weathering mine at least a little - I've never had the nerve to do it to an LGB loco because of the cost factor - I'm happy enough dismantling and chipping them, but weathering, unless it's REALLY well done, does seem to kill the potential resale value* - but the HLW stuff is cheap enough to risk it!

Jon.

* I should clarify that I don't buy any of my LGB locos or rolling stock as "investments" or with resale in mind.... but I'm always conscious of the amount of money tied up in them should I ever need to liquidate some assets to free up some quick cash, thus while I buy them to use I also don't want to damage the resale value where I can help it.....

 

[Rob s]

Jon

I picked up a nice one of these a few days ago with exactly the same idea
cheap enough to use to practice on


wasn't till i had a good look at it just i realised some one had added a few bitsnbobs

and painted it with what i think is hammerite ?? not sure

they have certainly added some wood veneer to the front /back not sure if this is going to stay or not
like the idea of trying purple

 

[Zerogee]

Hi Rob - I think the one you got was from the same seller as mine! They had two, an absolutely stock yellow one that I got, and the modified/repainted one that you bought - which I assume was originally yellow too, from the cab interior? Like you, I'm not sure about the wooden buffer beams, though some of the other detailing they've added on yours looks good (the new fuel tanks are a big improvement, I might well try something similar on mine). I'll take some photos during the chipping and reassembly of mine (it's already been reduced to its component parts, few of them that there are!) in case they might be useful to you and anyone else doing the same.

Jon.

 

[Rob s]

Hi Rob - I think the one you got was from the same seller as mine! They had two, an absolutely stock yellow one that I got, and the modified/repainted one that you bought - which I assume was originally yellow too, from the cab interior? Like you, I'm not sure about the wooden buffer beams, though some of the other detailing they've added on yours looks good (the new fuel tanks are a big improvement, I might well try something similar on mine). I'll take some photos during the chipping and reassembly of mine (it's already been reduced to its component parts, few of them that there are!) in case they might be useful to you and anyone else doing the same.

Jon.

Hi jon

Yes i missed bidding on the yellow one, but this one got zero bids, and as they only live a few miles from me, went to have a look.
Figured it didn't matter on the colour as a repaint was always on the cards, did a nice deal and of course no postage

They have a massive amount of kit to sell, so will be worth watching.

Haven't had time to strip down yet, did take the base of found it is bone dry,
no lube at all any where, need to find out what to use.

Pic's would be great, nice to have a guide to work to even as you say its a bit basic.

Friend had one a few years ago, and he did say watch the motor leeds when
you put it back together. They lie along the motor casing and are easy to trap if not carefull

Look forward to seeing your re-paint.

Oh and it runs as smooth as silk and pulls well, needs some weight added though

Wan't to find a driver for it as well, any body got any ideas or one to sell :thinking:

 

[C&S]

Wan't to find a driver for it as well, any body got any ideas or one to sell :thinking:

What country is your line set? I have a white metal figure Edit Now gone to work onj the W. G. Lt Rly

 

[stevedenver]

sorta depends on the look you want-
and the era

the red one above looks spit and polish
the green a bit more working railroad-still very clean

i like a light grey (as early as the twenties ) or
yellow (i always think of this coming in around the 40's)
or a paler 'hospital green'

for an industrial or short line look-

these colors looks nice with dull mineral brown stock-these colors also show weathering very nicely as they are lighter

i think the key to success with these colors (if you chose) is to really dull them down with soot and rust
add some tools and details that will contrast with the colors well

also
for a more road engine look
cant beat mineral red or black (needs stripes or nice lettering or numers tho imho)(and perhaps number plates and a hooded larger light)
either for a simple but workmanlike look

i think the engine begs for some grab poles above the ladder, and some steps and pole pockets, even a large hook for a chain on the buffer/pilot for shunting, perhaps a window ledge or shade too to dress up the side view a bit

 

[steven large]

Hi Rob - I think the one you got was from the same seller as mine! They had two, an absolutely stock yellow one that I got, and the modified/repainted one that you bought - which I assume was originally yellow too, from the cab interior? Like you, I'm not sure about the wooden buffer beams, though some of the other detailing they've added on yours looks good (the new fuel tanks are a big improvement, I might well try something similar on mine). I'll take some photos during the chipping and reassembly of mine (it's already been reduced to its component parts, few of them that there are!) in case they might be useful to you and anyone else doing the same.

Jon.

Hi jon

Yes i missed bidding on the yellow one, but this one got zero bids, and as they only live a few miles from me, went to have a look.
Figured it didn't matter on the colour as a repaint was always on the cards, did a nice deal and of course no postage

They have a massive amount of kit to sell, so will be worth watching.

Haven't had time to strip down yet, did take the base of found it is bone dry,
no lube at all any where, need to find out what to use.

Pic's would be great, nice to have a guide to work to even as you say its a bit basic.

Friend had one a few years ago, and he did say watch the motor leeds when
you put it back together. They lie along the motor casing and are easy to trap if not carefull

Look forward to seeing your re-paint.

Oh and it runs as smooth as silk and pulls well, needs some weight added though

Wan't to find a driver for it as well, any body got any ideas or one to sell :thinking:

hi wud u like a driver? hw about usat driver? or bachmann?u can have it for free? pm me.

 

[dutchelm]

If you want to try something different why not one like mine.

I think the crew were LGB trainset figures

 

[C&S]

Nice conversion, Mike; I do like little railcars/work locos.

My only trouble with the Hartland design is the tiny body perched on top of a massive steel-plated chassis, which looks way too heavy for the upper works. I presume the motor block takes up all the space inside, so it cannot be carved away at all. Are the wheels connected to the axleboxes on the outside frame, or is this just a cosmetic addition? I suspect it is.

Meanwhile, I've a couple of ideas for possible conversions but would need to get hold of a cheap model to carve up, as I already have one more loco than my timetable needs (and no way of turning a one-ended loco apart from sending it to the fiddle yard).

For that reason I did not bid on the one Rob bought privately - looks like I could have had it for the maiden bid, too!

 

[Zerogee]

Love that conversion, Mike! As I've only got the one, I think I'll keep mine basically stock apart from perhaps some extra detailing, but if I ever lay my hands on another one I'd love to do something like yours.

To C&S: the big chassis box is just that, an empty hollow box. The power unit is a self-contained package that just clips inside, and doesn't touch the frame anywhere around it (certainly not at the dummy axle boxes!). You could happily cut away any of the outer chassis from footplate level downwards without affecting the working of the loco in any way.

Jon.

 

[stevedenver]

that looks great-much more interesting

 

[ntpntpntp]

The motor block (to illustrate the posts above)

 

[C&S]

Thanks, guys, for the info on the motor block and the footplate box. Food for thought there if I can find another at a bargain price.