MikeTrice

Thanks folks for the very useful information.

I am also a southpaw Coachmann so perhaps I am in good company.

DVD has not arrived yet but I will probably buy the Wild Swan book at Chatham next weekend. I will certainly try using a gloss base.

Advice on this forum in the past has been extremely useful, so I thought I would try another topic.

Many years ago I used a Kern ruling pen with which I had variable results. Now this might be due to a number of factors so I thought I would poll RMWeb members for their experiences.

I need to line a Gresely panelled coach with cream/primrose lining. Being a lighter colour it needs to be reasonably opaque.

I have seen reference to "dressing" the pen before using it but am unclear exactly what this means, or even if my pen needs it. What are the benefits or otherwise of a hinged blade compared to sprung blade types? How fine should the "prongs" be?

Is a matt, satin or gloss finish best as a base? What is a good ink/paint to use? An acrylic/water based paint is attractive as it would allow mistakes to be corrected. Should I thin the paint?

I will be honest and say that I have not managed to find much information on the subject on the web. I have ordered the Right Track DVD on painting and lining and eagerly await its arrival. I do not currently have the recent Wild Swan book but would be willing to consider it as an option.

Looking forward to any advice.