Micro-Mark Air Box Car Red Paint, 20ml

• Classic reddish-brown color historically used on U.S. freight boxcars
• Pre-thinned for smooth, clog-free airbrush application—no thinning required
• Rich, earthy tone ideal for rolling stock, freight sheds, and rail-side details
• Slightly muted to simulate sun-faded oxide finishes found on real trains
• Made in the USA

Description
Air Box Car Red offers the same iconic tone as standard Box Car Red (Item #29373) but is specially formulated for airbrush use. It delivers a smooth, consistent spray pattern, perfect for large rolling stock or diorama surfaces where brush marks would detract from realism. This rich, iron oxide-inspired red-brown has just the right balance of warmth and depth to replicate steam-era and early diesel freight cars in realistic, weathered condition.

Air Box Car Red is included in the following sets:
Item #29384 Railroad Model Color Paint Set

Item #29433 Basic Acrylic Painting Set with Brushes, Mediums & Empty Bottles, 89-Piece

Color Description

This medium-dark red-brown finish features subtle orange and rust tones with a matte to satin sheen when sprayed. It reflects the iron oxide pigments used historically to coat and protect wooden and early steel freight cars, making it ideal for both new-builds and weathered applications.

The History of Box Car Red

Box Car Red originated in the mid-to-late 1800s when American railroads used iron oxide (rust-based) pigments to coat wooden freight cars. The color was cheap, durable, and moisture-resistant, which made it ideal for mass production.

By the early 20th century, it had become a standardized color across many U.S. railroads. Over time, boxcars faded and darkened due to grime, coal smoke, sun exposure, and constant handling—making the slightly muted tone of this paint ideal for modeling historical accuracy.

Variations by railroad and era ranged from brighter red-orange to deep burgundy, with “Box Car Red” becoming both a color name and an icon of American railroading.

Modeling Use Cases

• Rolling Stock: Boxcars, hoppers, reefers, and MOW equipment
• Structures: Freight depots, tool sheds, signal towers
• Scenery Elements: Rail fences, signs, tie plates, small structures
• Historic Dioramas: Turn-of-the-century and WWII-era freight operations
• Weathering Effects: Layer with brown or black washes to simulate age and wear

Tip

Spray at 15–25 PSI. For a faded look, layer with Reefer Gray or Dust washes. For high-contrast weathering, apply dark panel line washes or edge drybrushing with Depot Buff.

Tip: For best results, use at 15–25 psi. No additional thinning is required, but compatible with Micro-Mark Acrylic Airbrush Thinner if needed for custom blending.

Air Box Car Red is available in the Airbrush Railroad Acrylic Paint Set.