GEC's Layout Progress

[Puddlejumper]

If you don't mind, GEC, since we're talking about Brunswick Green I thought you'd find this interesting. While researching the E44 on the PRRT&HS site I found this discussion... http://prrthsdiscussionweb30239.yuku.com...#reply-447

Okay, let me lay this one to rest. Way back in 1997-98, the PRRT&HS website was resurrected by Steve Agostini as the webmaster and myself as the "Superintendent". The late James Lynch, Vice President-Treasurer of the National PRRT&HS, was our 'Walking Encyclopedia". Besides articles, announcements and pictures, Steve and I also started "The Discussion Forum" where readers could post questions that the 3 of us could answer along with readers. While there might be disagreements, there were very few 'major' arguements.

One of the most asked questions was,is and always will be how did the PRR pick their colors. Stories such as "take a 50 gallon drum of black paint and throw a one gallon can of Buff Gold (or whatever) to make DGLE" OR "the paint shop Superintendent at Altoona mixed colors he liked in 1921 and that became DGLE" grew as Urban Legends.

So here's the 'Official' PRRT&HS (at least back in 1998) short answer as to DGLE that was researched by our historians and published on "The Discussion Forum":

"Brunswick Green takes its name from the Germany Duchy of Brunswick and refers to a green pigment made from copper salts which were used to extend the longevity of the finish. The name is just a direct translation from the German ("Braunschweiger Grun"), so that is where it originated.

DGLE (aka Brunswick Green) is black paint with the above mentioned copper salts added. The paint was given two coats of varnish to protect the shine and finish. As the varnish would age and/or break down (soot, etc.), the shine would fade after which the process of oxidation would take alter the finish. Remember, copper & oxygen = oxidation. Oxidized copper is green! The more the varnish faded, the more green the paint would appear to be. And of course, two freshly shopped identical engines coming from the same shop on the same day (having just received 'new varnish') would probably not have the same color one month later."

SPF stands for Slobbering Pennsy Fans. So all SPFs, please copy this.

BTW, the PRRT&HS drift cards are accurate. And Weaver's Scalecoat is thought by most as the most accurate reproduction of DGLE. But your engine might fade if you run a low grade of coal and allow the soot to stay on the paint.