The following are screenshots from WWII historical film footage depicting the famed ‘Red Ball Express.’ Has anyone got a clew as to what colors were used on the background and lettering of these stenciled signs?
Thank’s in advance.
—mike
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Since this would be rear areas and visibility is important, I would say just simple black and white, or maybe OD and white.
Ken.
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Thank’s Ken, That’s kinda’ what I was thinking.
Another thought: In the film, the signage seems to be swinging slightly. They look like temporary tin plates hung by cords or wire on tree branches and not permanently attached to posts — possibly for quick removal. … I’m guessing.
—mike
Most likely. The routes and conditions were changing constantly.
Ken.
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To the administrators - what does the red stop sign symbol mean?
Sorry Ken, my bad… That was just me being cutesy with a “stop sign” emoji! 
My route just changed, so I took it down.
—mike
OK, it just confused me. You could put a one way sign up, the Red Ball Express was a one-way loop.
Ken.
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I found a sheet of stencil decals in my stash, so I went ahead and whipped this up…
• Evergreen Sheet Styrene No. 9009, 0.005" (0.13mm) and stripped wire
• Dragon (6362) M21 Mortar Motor Carriage Stencil decals
• Vallejo US Olive Drab Primer (73.608)
• Vallejo Dark Rust (70.302)
• Finished size: H 9mm x W 15mm
Cheers!
—mike
3 Likes
That looks perfect!
Ken.
Thank’s, Ken! And thank’s again for your help with my little diversionary project!
—mike
There’s a part of me that want’s to scratch-build all of those signs. … And then there’s this one I’d like for my kitchen wall.
Sure could use a cup right about now! 
—mike
Not at all certain, but those are my stencils and I’m sticking to them. … And definitely sans-serif. 
—mike
Sorry mate just feelin’ mischevious after finishing a particularly cheeky bottle of 2016 Barossa Valley Tempranillo - awesome…but my memory’s been nagging me for a while about this thread, maybe I’m thinking M * A * S * H or something?
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No worries, Tim. Your example is just too…
…chic!
The screen captures relate to WWII field maintenance depots. The clips were borrowed from the film ‘FRANCE ‘44: The Red Ball Express’… time-stamp approx. 35:11 (for reference only).
Though I suppose Hawkeye, in a pinch could have used the same tools for surgery. Haha! 
Cheers!
—mike
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A snippet from an original color movie (according to the source: https://www.warhistoryonline.com/whotube-2/original-wwii-color-footage-us-army-france-simply-fantastic-watch.html)
Looks pretty white to me:
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By the way, found a e-book about the Red Ball Express, so if you want it, give me a PM…
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So here’s what I came up with for a signpost…
• Post: balsa wood (scored and split), approx. 6cm tall
• Bent nail: UTC Ultra Wire, Brassie, 32 gauge, 0.0080"
• Shrubbery: Ammo by Mig (8359) Small Bushes – Autumn
• Paint & weathering: Vallejo New Wood (70.311), Old Wood (70.310), Aged White (71.132), European Dust Wash (76.523), AK Ultra Matte Varnish (AK 183)
This is just a preliminary test. I hope to put some sort of setting together soon.
Cheers!
—mike
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Would look great next to Pvt Lugnut. 
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