Color Card, Frame Structures and Depots (from Reference Sheet 402)

This physical Color Card contains 10 color samples of colors used on Great Northern frame structures and depots (excepting 1965-1970 depot schemes, sold separately). You can use this color card to mix your own paint and to evaluate accuracy of color on existing models. Remember that colors will look different in different light and are subject to fading and weathering.

For further information see Reference Sheet 402 available for purchase.

Sunlight has a particular balance of light across the visible spectrum. Florescent is different from sunlight, and is available in different color ranges. Incandescent is yet another color range.

The sun's light is 5750 Kelvin, meaning that the intensity of light emission across the visible spectrum is that of an ideal block body glowing at a temperature of 5750 Kelvin.

5750 K florescent tubes are available, but not in hardware stores. 

5000 K florescent tubes/bulbs mimic a body glowing at 5,000 K, but the relative intensity, or balance of the colors is not correct, close but not correct. Such tubes are often available in hardware stores as 'daylight' tubes, but this marketing nomenclature is not consistent.

Warm White tubes are typically 3000 K, having less blue and more yellow and red than a 5000 K source, and an incorrect color balance for their indicated temperature.

The quality of light expressed in degrees Kelvin is always given on the packaging of florescent light sources, and on the tubes themselves.

Incandescent lights are in the range of 2400 to 2550 K, but since they are actual glowing bodies, their color balance is correct for their temperature.

Esthetically, the 5000 K and higher tubes are more blue and most people see the light as more white as compared with warm white and incandescent sources which have a yellowish cast compared to 5000 or 5750 K tubes. Like most else, the type of light on your layout is your choice, your taste, not a matter of right and wrong.

Store this color card in a dark place to avoid fading.