Hello,

I have a Z scale Marklin 88167 Schienenbus (diesel railbus) where I would like to touch up the red paint. I've gathered that the color to use is RAL 3004 purple red, but I'm not sure what finish provides the best match to the Marklin factory paint- gloss, semi-gloss, satin, matte or flat. From my observation it seems like a matte finish is the closest, I'm thinking of using a can of spray-paint from LVP, which is plastic compatible.

Thanks,
Ajay

Hi Ajay,

First tip- spray a test strip and compare. DRG/DB may have used RAL3004, but Marklin likely did not. I ran into this exact problem with the same color code just 2 weeks ago, on HO scale.

Moving on, satin or semigloss both work. Or paint flat and varnish/clear coast with semi, which is what I'd in order to preserve the paint anyhow. (hobby paint is not designed for the level of handling trains get, vs a model car which will not be touched.)

Thanks! I think I will email Marklin and ask what color and texture they recommend as a match.

Cheers,
Ajay

Marklin got back to me. They use RAL 3004 (purple red) in a semi-gloss finish for my railbus. Thanks for all the advice!

Ajay

This link for TTN repairs may be of some value . https://ttn-shop.com/?fb..._nL0bJXvstyXRd5AMUS0fHOQ


Gives RAL & a color sample .


Cheers Tom in Oz .

Hello

Just notice this post.

I just wanted to add this.

One thing about the railbus is that they seem to come in a variety of colors and conditions. The red is the most common of course. When watching videos of the railbus there is usually many which are strongly bleached out because they have not be restored yet. When restored, the color is strong and polished. I have noticed a difference even with the z railbus. There are variations in the appearance. I have the Railbus 88311 set and I have noted this one has a strong more purple shade of red when compared to the others. My point is that it is not a serious issue if the color is a bit off when compared side by side. This is actually prototypical.

I long time back I actually purchased spare body shells and wanted the truly worn ones so I would have some contrast from the others. The seller reminded me how worn they were, but I didn’t care. Since then, I have actually added more weathering to enhance the wear. If you noticed, the roofs of the real ones are usually stained with the black exhaust. The silver roof was one place I added the black color of weathering. I used the Tamika weathering master kit usually used with war modeling and I like the look.

Have you located the rub-one which add advertising to your railbus? A great custom appearance. Search the web for these.

Best wishes with your railbus. They must be one of my favorites.

^

Thanks David

I had seen that photo somewhere but didn't find it. Humbrol 195 should be just that RAL6020.
I will try that and mix some up also.

Cheers

Åke

I love my railbus. Mine actually has been digitized and has pick-up from the trailer car as well, so it crawls beautifully. The interior is just crying for some passengers, so that will happen sometime, along with the couplers being removed and the front filled in. The only problem is it cannot do MT or Rokuhan turnouts... the wheels of the driving car just spin. Other than that, I love it! And yes, the roof needs weathering....

Ajay

Yes it is plastic and quite soft.

Thanks

Åke