LMS typeface

[Nutmeg]

Hi all,
I posted a couple of days regarding a TV drama I'm working on which is set in 1937. Hope you can help with another query.
I need to apply 'LMS' to the tank of the train we're using for several scenes.
I am trying to find a typeface which is suitable for both the LMS lettering and the numerals.
Do you know where I might be able to find something that is close? I believe the serif type is more suitable as not many tanks had the sans serif version applied.
Should the lettering and numbers be in a metallic gold or a yellow?
Thanks in advance,
Mary

 

[30907]

http://www.lmssociety.org.uk/

Very well established group; you might even find the answer on their site. They might well be able to help with the alarm query as well.

 

[pdeaves]

The LMS initials may have been sign-written rather than a particular typeface. You might find it easier to take a photograph of a preserved example and use that for your lettering.

 

[etr221]

The LMS initials may have been sign-written rather than a particular typeface. You might find it easier to take a photograph of a preserved example and use that for your lettering.

I don't know to what extent, but lettering and numbering would either be sign-written or transfers: but either way, it would have been to a standard (which changed at times). Apart from looking at photos of preserved locos, seek out out contemporary (1937/whenever) photos showing what you're after (beyond searching the web, books and other publications, Colourail is a commercial source of images). Or try approaching specialist societies - apart from the LMS Society, one I would approach is the HMRS (Historical Model Railway Society - modellers can be very pernickity to get it right , so they have lots of detailed information, and specialists to ask). Or the NRM (National Railway Museum). The Severn Valley Railway have some preserved LMS coaches, so probably have someone who knows.

 

[Anstecker]

I am trying to find a typeface which is suitable for both the LMS lettering and the numerals.

Hi Mary, I'm using this image and this one as references. Most simply, you could contact Fox Transfers, who do model railway transfers of the lettering you want, and see if you could get their designs reproduced to life-size. I always think fonts never look as good as custom lettering designed for a specific use.

If that doesn't work, obviously, this is all handpainted, it's not a font as they say, but I see what you want is something a bit chubby, with serifs that aren't needle-thin or block slabs. I wasn't expecting it to be this easy, but Cheltenham Bold looks pretty solid as a starting point. Although if you wanted a more characterful '3' you might have to edit one by mirroring the top of the '5'.

 

[GusB]

Hi all,
I posted a couple of days regarding a TV drama I'm working on which is set in 1937. Hope you can help with another query.
I need to apply 'LMS' to the tank of the train we're using for several scenes.
I am trying to find a typeface which is suitable for both the LMS lettering and the numerals.
Do you know where I might be able to find something that is close? I believe the serif type is more suitable as not many tanks had the sans serif version applied.
Should the lettering and numbers be in a metallic gold or a yellow?
Thanks in advance,
Mary

I have a book entitled "Railway Liveries: London Midland & Scottish Railway" by Brian Haresnape. I couldn't find any reference to the typeface that was used, but it does have some drawings that you may find useful. Application of livery, lettering, lining etc. varied over time, and this is fairly well explained in the book.

If you have a nearby bookshop that specialises in railway books it may be worthwhile asking there, although I'm not sure if you'd be able to pick up a new copy. Failing that, a certain online retailer has used copies listed:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Railway-Liveries-1923-47-Midland-Scottish/dp/0711012814

 

[Taunton]

Hi Mary, I'm using this image and this one as references.

If I'm not mistaken the second one, of 15053, has the letters shaded. What colour did they use for shading? Pale blue?

 

[pdeaves]

If I'm not mistaken the second one, of 15053, has the letters shaded. What colour did they use for shading? Pale blue?

The first is also shaded, albeit harder to tell under the grime. Shading was black or red according to base colour.