Correct D&H Grey color for 2004 Atlas Master U30C?

[prr 4467]

Hello--

I'm trying to match D&H grey paint and it appears that some of the paints commercially available might be way too dark.

(I'm trying to do a little minor paint touchup on 2004 run Atlas D&H U30C units where paint chipped during pilot handrail installation.)

I ordered D&H passenger car grey, I think from Badger, because that seems like it would be lighter than some of the other "D&H Grey" shades out there, and I'm realizing that there are actually many different shades of grey on HO models ranging from greenish-grey for E-L units to bluish on others to battleship grey, and even the Bowser Alco Demo grey is clearly different from whatever is on the D&H models.

Thanks all for your assistance.

[Mr. Trainiac]

matching off-the-shelf colors can be pretty difficult, especially without knowing how accurate the model is to begin with. D&H has varied over the years, and I vaguely remember a recent D&H model having a 'controversial' color choice.

Honestly, I would just mix a custom color. If this is just to fix some chipped handrail paint, you only need a few drops. You can probably make something 'close enough' with the paint you have on hand.

I think I found a picture of the U30C from the run you are talking about. This one looks on the dark side of the D&H spectrum. I would start off with a primer grey and mix in a drop or two of dark green or olive drab until you get it. It looks like it has a hint of green or brown in it.

[win70rob]

I would try Tru-color, they have been pretty close for me when adding grabs to D&H trainman units and replacing a missing part on a bowser C628. I also used floquil if you can find an old bottle floating around. With the Tru-color you’ll want to hit it with a little dull coat to get the shine of it