Playing around with AI

Fitzroy

Western Thunderer
I’m struggling to imagine what it “thought” it was portraying.
No thought involved at all! Although there is maybe an argument to be made that neural networks string together stuff that is deemed "plausible" (to someone who has no idea about trains but very broadly kind of know what one looks like) using metadata evaluation criteria that is not using common sense at all, and maybe our brains do a similar low-level process when putting together scenarios or images in dreams for another part of the brain to experience. A lot of what we do at the sub-thought level is doing all sorts of clever computation, like solving differential equations to catch a ball for example.
 

Fitzroy

Western Thunderer
I suppose I could have more precisely phrased my musings as “what was the question to which that was the answer?” :rolleyes:
That is an interesting question! If you look at AI's "idea" of what a 1960's car looks like they invariably smoosh together all sorts of features from different models, and don't realise, for example, the left and right hand sides should be more or less mirror images. Sometimes, depending on the subject, you can determine the source pictures that were pirated to get the result. It's most disturbing!
 

simond

Western Thunderer
We joke about smellchequers & predictive test, but something occurred to me this morning.

It’s the lack of self-doubt that jars. I had typed something yesterday and it changed “railhead” to “tailcoat”. I may have mistyped the “r” as a “t” but usually my mistypes are hitting the space bar when I want a “c” and generating a full stop and capital letter, so I doubt it. My guess is that it saw a 8-letter word that it could not find (high enough) in its list of acceptable words, and simply substituted another on some dubious statistical basis.

If it had simply highlighted the word as “check this” (as it did when I typed “thag” for “that” in the previous sentence) it would have been less irritating.

I have no idea why it does one thing in one case and a different thing in another, arguably simpler and more obvious situation. I suspect typing on an iPad would be a longer process without the automatic corrections, but word substitution is a risky business.

MrsD texted me a question some years ago. To let her know that I had received, and was considering the question, I replied “mmmm”

as I hit the send button, my thoughtful response was changed to “knob”.
 

simond

Western Thunderer
Prompted by a discussion on @Pencarrow thread, I tried the following on Google AI

what Vallejo acrylic paints would be acceptable matches for GWR Light stone, Dark Stone, Coach Chocolate and Coach Cream, as used in the period between 1925 and 1934?

the reply:-

For the period between 1925 and 1934, the following Vallejo acrylic paints are accepted as close matches or base components for the standard Great Western Railway (GWR) colours. Note that historical accuracy often requires slight adjustments based on the specific "scale effect" or the intended weathering of your model.

GWR Station & Infrastructure Colours
The "Stone" colours were primarily used for buildings and fixed structures rather than rolling stock.
Facebook +1
  • GWR Light Stone:
  • GWR Dark Stone:
    • Vallejo Model Color Middlestone (70.882): Frequently cited as a solid starting point for Dark Stone, though some modellers prefer to darken it slightly with a touch of brown for a more weathered look.
      Scale Model Shop +5

GWR Coach Colours (1922-1934 Livery)
During this period, GWR coaches used the iconic "Chocolate and Cream" scheme reintroduced by Collett in 1922.
GWR Modelling +1
  • Coach Cream:
    • Vallejo Model Color Dark Flesh (70.927): Despite the name, this is a popular choice for the rich, yellowish cream used on GWR coaches.
    • Vallejo Model Color Cream White (70.766): Can be used as a base, often mixed with a small amount of yellow or ochre to achieve the correct "custard" depth.
  • Coach Chocolate:
    • Vallejo Game Color Dark Fleshtone (72.044)
      : A very strong match for the deep, reddish-brown of GWR Chocolate.
    • Vallejo Model Color Cavalry Brown (70.982): Another excellent option, providing the characteristic dark, reddish-chocolate hue.

Alternative Specialist Paints
If you prefer a pre-matched railway-specific acrylic,
RailMatch GWR Dark Stone (2607)
and Phoenix Precision GWR Coach Cream are professional-grade alternatives specifically formulated for these historical liveries.
Phoenix Precision Paints +1
Would you like to know which lining colours (such as Orange Chrome or Gold) were most common for these coaches during the same 1925–1934 timeframe?

AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
 

simond

Western Thunderer
yes, please tell me about the lining colours

For GWR coaches between
1925 and 1934, the lining was primarily composed of Gold (or Yellow) and Black. This period saw a shift from the complex, full lining of the early 1920s to a more "modern," simplified style introduced under Collett.
GWR Modelling +2

Coach Lining Schemes (1925–1934)
  • 1922–1927 ("Full Lining"): Coaches featured mouldings edged on both sides with 7/16" Gold. Steel-panelled coaches were painted to mimic this effect.
  • 1927–1928 ("Plain Era"): A very brief period where some stock appeared in plain chocolate and cream, occasionally devoid of all lining or featuring only a single black line.
  • 1929–1934 ("Waist Lining"): The standard became a single Black and Gold demarcation line at the waist (the join between the cream upper and chocolate lower panels).
    • Express Stock: High-end stock like the Super Saloons featured double waist lining(3/8" Gold and 3/4" Black) forming a rectangular panel.
      GWR Modelling +3

Vallejo Paint Matches for Lining



Vallejo Model Color (VMC)Vallejo Model Air (VMA)Notes
Gold
VMC Gold (70.996)
Gold
VMA Gold (71.066)
Gold
Most official "Gold" was actually a deep yellow-orange pigment.
Yellow
VMC Flat Yellow (70.953)
Yellow
VMA Yellow (71.002)
Yellow
Used as a "dull gold" alternative for less prestigious stock.
Black
VMC Black (70.950)
Black
VMA Black (71.057)
Black
Used for the 3/4" demarcation line or panel edges.



Important Secondary Detail: "Mahogany" Components
During this entire period, specific window elements—droplights and bolections—were finished in an Indian Red or "Mahogany" colour to simulate real wood.
GWR Modelling +1
  • Vallejo Match: VMC Hull Red (70.985) is an excellent match for this dark, reddish-brown wood effect.
    platform1mrc.com
Would you like details on the correct lettering styles (such as the "Twin Shield" crest versus the 1934 "Shirtbutton" roundel) for your specific models?

AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

go on then

Between 1925 and 1934, GWR coach lettering underwent a transition from highly ornate, traditional heraldry to a modern, simplified corporate "monogram"
. The specific look of your model will depend on whether it reflects the standards of the mid-1920s or the early 1930s.
RMweb +1

1. The "Twin Shield" Crest (1927–1934)
From roughly 1928, the GWR adopted the Twin Shield (or "Twin Cities") crest as its primary insignia for coaches.
  • Design: It depicts the coats of arms for the City of London and the City of Bristolside-by-side.
  • Placement: On standard corridor coaches, this crest was placed centrally on the lower chocolate panel.
  • Lettering: The initials G W R were typically placed at the waistline, often flanking the crest or positioned separately toward the ends of the coach.

2. The "Shirtbutton" Roundel (Introduced June 1934)
At the very end of your specified period, the GWR introduced its most famous logo: the "Shirtbutton" monogram.
GWR Modelling +1
  • Design: An Art Deco-style circular logo featuring the letters GWR stylized to fit within a round border.
  • Purpose: It was introduced as an "economy measure" because it was significantly cheaper and faster to apply than the complex Twin Shield transfers.
  • Colour: For coaches, the roundel was typically applied in a Yellow design (unlike locomotives, where it was often black-lined gilt).
  • Placement: It was positioned centrally on the lower chocolate panel, below the waist lining.
    GWR Modelling +5

3. Class Markings & Ancillary Lettering
  • Class Designations: Until approximately 1938, "Third" class markings were often omitted from the doors of mainstream stock, though they were sometimes retained on "special" or older stock.
  • Guard/Luggage: Large block lettering for "GUARD" or "LUGGAGE" was common on the ends of brake coaches.
  • Brown Stock: Non-passenger "brown" vehicles (like Horse Boxes or Parcels Vans) often carried the 16" GW initials until they were gradually replaced by the Shirtbutton from 1934 onwards.
    GWR Modelling +5

Modelling Recommendation
If your model represents the peak of the Collett era (approx. 1929–1933), the Twin Shieldwith separate G W R waist lettering is the historically accurate choice. If you are modelling a brand-new coach from the summer of 1934, the Shirtbutton is the correct "cutting edge" look.
For high-quality historical transfers, Fox Transfers provides specific sets for both the Twin Shield (1927–1934) and the Shirtbutton (1934–1942).
Would you like to know about the roof colours and the transition from white to grey that occurred during this same period?

AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
 

simond

Western Thunderer
why not?

The roof colour is one of the most debated topics among GWR modellers because it changed more than any other part of the coach during the 1920s and 30s.

The Great Transition: White to Grey
In the early 1920s, GWR coach roofs were technically White. However, because of the soot and coal smoke from steam locomotives, a white roof would turn grey within a single journey and almost black within a week.
  • Pre-1927 (White): New or freshly overhauled coaches left the works with white lead paint on the canvas roofs.
  • Post-1927 (Grey): To save on cleaning costs and make the weathering less obvious, the GWR officially switched to painting roofs Grey at the works.
  • The "Service" Look: Regardless of the official colour, by 1930 most roofs in active service appeared as various shades of dark, dirty grey.

Vallejo Paint Matches for Roofs

Roof ConditionVallejo Model Color (VMC)Vallejo Model Air (VMA)Style
Ex-Works (Clean)VMC Sky Grey (70.989)VMA Aged White (71.132)Represents a brand new "White" roof with a hint of scale-effect grey.
Standard Grey (Post-1927)VMC London Grey (70.836)VMA Grey (71.047)The official mid-grey used after the 1927 change.
Weathered / In-ServiceVMC German Grey (70.995)VMA Engine Gray (71.048)A very dark grey that perfectly mimics a roof covered in soot and grime.

Pro-Tip: The "Sooty" Finish
GWR roofs were textured (canvas over wood). To get an authentic look, many modellers use a Matte Varnish mixed with a tiny drop of VMC Black (70.950) to create a "filtered" grime layer over the base grey.
Since we've covered the body, lining, and roof, would you like to know about the chassis and bogie colours (usually "Precision Black") or perhaps the interior wood finishes for this era?

nah, you’re alright
No worries at all! It sounds like you've got the essentials covered for your GWR 1925–1934 project.
With those Chocolate, Cream, and Stone matches in your paint rack, you’re well on your way to a classic Collett-era look. If you run into any trouble with the consistency or thinning of those specific Vallejo shades for your airbrush or brushwork, just give me a shout.
Happy modelling! Would you like a quick tip on which varnish finish (Satin vs. Matte) is best for that period's "glossy" coach look?

AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more


oh, go on then

In the 1925–1934 period, GWR coaches left the Swindon works with a very high-glosscoach-painted finish. However, on a model, a pure high-gloss can make it look like a toy.
To get that "polished but used" look, here is the best approach using Vallejo:

1. The Body Panels (Satin-Gloss)
For the main Chocolate and Cream sections, a Satin finish is most realistic. It catches the light like a polished coach without obscuring the fine lining and lettering.
  • Recommendation: Vallejo Satin Varnish (70.522). It provides a subtle sheen that mimics the "varnish" coat applied over the real paint at the works.

2. The Roof (Dead Matte)
Even if the roof was freshly painted, the canvas texture and immediate exposure to soot meant it never stayed shiny. A glossy roof on a GWR coach is a common modelling mistake.
  • Recommendation: Vallejo Matt Varnish (70.520). This kills the reflection and makes the "sooty grey" look authentic.

3. The Chassis & Bogies (Low Sheen)
The underframe was black, but usually covered in oily grime and brake dust.
  • Recommendation: A mix of 70% Matt and 30% Satin varnish gives a slightly "oily" look that isn't totally flat but isn't shiny either.

Pro Application Tip
If you are using transfers (like the Twin Shield or Shirtbutton), always apply them onto a Gloss surface first (Vallejo Gloss Varnish 70.510). This prevents "silvering" (trapped air under the decal). Once the transfer is dry, spray your Satin coat over the top to seal everything and bring the shine down to a realistic level.
Are you planning to airbrush these varnishes, or will you be brush-painting the final finish?


Which is pretty comprehensive, cross referenced, and not obviously stupid, so I’ll account it as a win.
best
Simon
 

Pencarrow

Western Thunderer
why not?

The roof colour is one of the most debated topics among GWR modellers because it changed more than any other part of the coach during the 1920s and 30s.

The Great Transition: White to Grey
In the early 1920s, GWR coach roofs were technically White. However, because of the soot and coal smoke from steam locomotives, a white roof would turn grey within a single journey and almost black within a week.
  • Pre-1927 (White): New or freshly overhauled coaches left the works with white lead paint on the canvas roofs.
  • Post-1927 (Grey): To save on cleaning costs and make the weathering less obvious, the GWR officially switched to painting roofs Grey at the works.
  • The "Service" Look: Regardless of the official colour, by 1930 most roofs in active service appeared as various shades of dark, dirty grey.

Vallejo Paint Matches for Roofs

Roof ConditionVallejo Model Color (VMC)Vallejo Model Air (VMA)Style
Ex-Works (Clean)VMC Sky Grey (70.989)VMA Aged White (71.132)Represents a brand new "White" roof with a hint of scale-effect grey.
Standard Grey (Post-1927)VMC London Grey (70.836)VMA Grey (71.047)The official mid-grey used after the 1927 change.
Weathered / In-ServiceVMC German Grey (70.995)VMA Engine Gray (71.048)A very dark grey that perfectly mimics a roof covered in soot and grime.

Pro-Tip: The "Sooty" Finish
GWR roofs were textured (canvas over wood). To get an authentic look, many modellers use a Matte Varnish mixed with a tiny drop of VMC Black (70.950) to create a "filtered" grime layer over the base grey.
Since we've covered the body, lining, and roof, would you like to know about the chassis and bogie colours (usually "Precision Black") or perhaps the interior wood finishes for this era?

nah, you’re alright
No worries at all! It sounds like you've got the essentials covered for your GWR 1925–1934 project.
With those Chocolate, Cream, and Stone matches in your paint rack, you’re well on your way to a classic Collett-era look. If you run into any trouble with the consistency or thinning of those specific Vallejo shades for your airbrush or brushwork, just give me a shout.
Happy modelling! Would you like a quick tip on which varnish finish (Satin vs. Matte) is best for that period's "glossy" coach look?

AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more


oh, go on then

In the 1925–1934 period, GWR coaches left the Swindon works with a very high-glosscoach-painted finish. However, on a model, a pure high-gloss can make it look like a toy.
To get that "polished but used" look, here is the best approach using Vallejo:

1. The Body Panels (Satin-Gloss)
For the main Chocolate and Cream sections, a Satin finish is most realistic. It catches the light like a polished coach without obscuring the fine lining and lettering.
  • Recommendation: Vallejo Satin Varnish (70.522). It provides a subtle sheen that mimics the "varnish" coat applied over the real paint at the works.

2. The Roof (Dead Matte)
Even if the roof was freshly painted, the canvas texture and immediate exposure to soot meant it never stayed shiny. A glossy roof on a GWR coach is a common modelling mistake.
  • Recommendation: Vallejo Matt Varnish (70.520). This kills the reflection and makes the "sooty grey" look authentic.

3. The Chassis & Bogies (Low Sheen)
The underframe was black, but usually covered in oily grime and brake dust.
  • Recommendation: A mix of 70% Matt and 30% Satin varnish gives a slightly "oily" look that isn't totally flat but isn't shiny either.

Pro Application Tip
If you are using transfers (like the Twin Shield or Shirtbutton), always apply them onto a Gloss surface first (Vallejo Gloss Varnish 70.510). This prevents "silvering" (trapped air under the decal). Once the transfer is dry, spray your Satin coat over the top to seal everything and bring the shine down to a realistic level.
Are you planning to airbrush these varnishes, or will you be brush-painting the final finish?


Which is pretty comprehensive, cross referenced, and not obviously stupid, so I’ll account it as a win.
best
Simon

Very interesting comparison to my own questions on SR building colours Simon. What I do find interesting is that the AI tool is looking at not just historical accuracy but also adjustments to suit our scale model world and also the in-service condition.

Looking into some of the cited references in my own results proved useful as it introduced me to several new sources and discussion groups.

As ever though it's up to us as the human in the loop to access what we have been told and make the final decision. I sometimes think that AI should be considered as being like the old know it all in the local pub. Quite often they are spot on with the answers but sometimes the answer is complete tosh!
 

Dog Star

Western Thunderer
Simon, not t'other one,

After taking the effort to fight your way through the responses to your questions the outcome appears to be reasonable and probably useful for those who do not have the bulk of "Great Western Way". I think that one may hope that your posts together with the pre WW1 query can be considered as suitable for the WT resources topic - suitable warnings as desired.

Rgds, Graham
 

Osgood

Western Thunderer
By "Great Western Way", @Dog Star , do you by any chance refer to the likely single resource, published by HMRS, from which these replies may have been taken?
They do appear to be based on a single-source (and one that is promoting Valejo products? :D ).

If this is not the case, can anyone identify the likely source of the info?
 

simond

Western Thunderer
Simon

what Vallejo acrylic paints would be acceptable matches for GWR Light stone, Dark Stone, Coach Chocolate and Coach Cream, and Wolverhampton locomotive Green, as used in the period between 1900 and 1925?


For the Great Western Railway (GWR) liveries between 1900 and 1925, several Vallejo Model Color and Game Color acrylics serve as acceptable matches. These recommendations are based on enthusiast comparisons to historical Phoenix Precisionand RailMatch enamels.

Coach & Building Colours
The GWR used a distinct palette for its rolling stock and infrastructure. Note that "Light and Dark Stone" were primarily for buildings, while "Chocolate and Cream" were for coaches.
Facebook +2

Locomotive Colours
Locomotive liveries in this period featured specific shades of green that darkened over time or varied by workshop.
Beckenham and West Wickham MRC
  • Wolverhampton Locomotive Green: This was typically a bluer, darker green than the standard "Swindon" green.

Technical Specifications & Usage

Feature Details
FormulaWater-based acrylic
FinishFlat/Matte (Standard for Model Color/Game Color)
ApplicationOptimized for brush use; can be airbrushed if thinned 50% with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner
Packaging17ml or 18ml eyedropper bottles to prevent drying
Would you like to know which Vallejo Washes or Varnishes would best replicate the weathered or high-gloss finish typical of early 20th-century locomotives?

AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
 

simond

Western Thunderer
Asking the question a different way yielded a less convenient, but arguably equally helpful response.


what Vallejo acrylic paints would be acceptable matches for GWR Coach and locomotive colours (particularly Swindon and Wolverhampton green) as used in the period between 1900 and 1925?


10 sites
Here are top web results for exploring this topic:

RMweb·https://www.rmweb.co.uk

Vallejo Model Colour GWR green - RMweb
I need to paint a loco in GWR green, and am looking for a suitable paint. If possible I would like to use paint from the Vallejo Model Colour range as I am happy with the coaches I have brush painted with them. I'm not particularly fussy about getting the perfect color as I just want it to blend ...

The Scalefour Society·The Scalefour Society

GWR Loco Green Pre-1928 - Scalefour Forum
Has anyone here done any experimenting to see if any of the acrylic range of paint from Tamiya or Vallejo are close to the pre-1928 darker shade of GWR loco green? As an example, XF 61 Dark Green or XF 26 Deep Green in the Tamiya range look as though they might be in the right area.

Model Railway Forum·Model Railway Forum

GWR paint mix | Model Railway Forum
Now that the Nanny State has prohibited sending paint through the mail, can anyone suggest how to mix Humbrol or Vallejo (still available here in the USA) to get the best approximation for GWRlight & dark stone (for buildings) and chocolate & cream for rolling stock. Good old tank grey seems fine ...

GWR Modelling·https://www.gwr.org.uk

GWR loco colours 1900–1947 - GWR Modelling
Commercial paints favoured by some modelmakers are Precision Paints GWR Green for the pre-1928 shade, and BS.224 Deep Bronze Green and Halfords Rover Brooklands Green for the post-1928 shade. It is always wise to check though, particularly with commercial spray cans, ...

New Railway Modellers·https://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk

GWR coloured paints - Page 2 - New Railway Modellers Forums
thanks - that saves me some money. I read somewhere that the Vallejo acrylics can be used. Formulae recommended: Brown - 70.822 "German Camo Black/Brown"

TheRailwire.net·Verifying…

Vallejo equivalents of commonly used colours - The Railwire
Vallejo Air Hull Red 71.039 looks like closest match to SP Caboose/Freight Car Red. If I spent hours mixing, painting, drying, comparing, I don't think I could do any better. It certainly satisfies me.

Facebook·Facebook

Need help on what Vallejo or GWS paint I should use for these ...
I've asked around about brands, and I hear the same three brands: Vallejo Monument Hobbies Green Stuff World I'd like to know pros and cons between the brands as I'm only purchasing one set at this time. Is one brand easier to work with than the other? Are some colors worth getting in one brand and ...

Western Thunder·Western Thunder

GWR and BR(W) building colours... - Western Thunder
Many modellers have noticed the variety of colours seen in GWR albums in BR days, as well seen on historical models and heritage lines depicting GWR days.

Fox Transfers·Fox Transfers specialise in model railway vinyl stickers and transfers

Paint Guide - Fox Transfers
A paint guide for your reference to aid you in re-painting your model in the correct colours. Many of the popular liveries are listed below but there are some omissions.

Railwayscenics·https://www.railwayscenics.com

Historic UK Train Colours: Liveries Chart with Hex/RGB
 

simond

Western Thunderer
Simon, not t'other one,

After taking the effort to fight your way through the responses to your questions the outcome appears to be reasonable and probably useful for those who do not have the bulk of "Great Western Way". I think that one may hope that your posts together with the pre WW1 query can be considered as suitable for the WT resources topic - suitable warnings as desired.

Rgds, Graham
Hi Graham,

yes, I think one could copy-paste this lot into the resources.

I had to split it up as it exceeded the single post word limit. When I’ve nothing better to do, I could copy it all into a word document and post it to the resources. holding one’s breath is not advised…

cheers
Simon (this one)
 

Dog Star

Western Thunderer
Here are top web results for exploring this topic:
Top ten references? At what position does the search place the HMRS?

Looking at the offered sources I suggest that none, possibly one, are primary sources and most of the offerings trackback to the HMRS. What surprises me is that there is a primary source for loco painting (1948 document for painting of locos built by the trade) and that document is widely available although not necessarily a prime Google hit.
 

John_B

Western Thunderer
I'll have to ask about GWR red wagons. Or has that debate been settled while I've been distracted by other things? I see that RTR wagons are now appearing in red.
 

simond

Western Thunderer
Please see the resource I have added. It was quicker to start again than to copy-paste from here!

enjoy!
Simon
 
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