I have a dump truck model for my RR that I would like to paint as Montana Highway Department. Does someone remember what color they were in the 50's? How they were lettered would be good too.
Ken Z

Call Hank Elliott-he worked there then and might remember-if its something from 50 years ago he'll probably remember!

Someone named Kenneth Ziebarth got a scholarship to Montana State College in Bozeman in 1961. Any relation? I will assume you were a child prodigy and were only 3 years old when you received it if it was you.

Unless there was a change between the 50's and 60's, they were bright (Denver Broncos) orange.

Of course I was prodigious, but not that much. CCHS class of 1960.
Ken Z

Richard is right about the orange.

Plasti-Kote paint number T-31 ("Bright Orange") is pretty close, but the real thing might be just a tad darker than that...although that could be due to highway dust and dirt!

Another result from a question for use on my model railroad.
Here is how the Highway Department dump truck looks.

A lot more details are needed in this area but I hope it is recognisable even if you weren't around in 1959.

http://www.flickr.com/pho...042837591/
Ken Z

How come there isn't semi stuck under there?

I am seriously considering putting just that in the final scene.
Ken

that so cool i wood love you see it all when you are done

Ken,
My father was a highway engineer in late 60's- early 70's his trucks were dark red orange and highway department was stenciled on door in either white or yellow. I do not quite remember the lettering color but it was spelled Hi-Way Dept. I know as a kid I thought for longest time that was correct way to spell highway.
The bright highway orange came out in mid 70's about the time Suburbans turned up. The suburbans only came in dark red but the pickups and trucks were bright orange. If Montana was stenciled on anything it was spelled Mont.
It would be great if you would post photos of your work.