I figured out how to use GIMP like three seconds after I wrote that post. Thanks for the recommendation though.
I decided on this livery
http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=europeshinecampaignfm7.jpgnew shine campaign
my first tryhttp://img225.imageshack.us/my.php?image=europeliverycp3.jpg
preparing for mid-late 60s heres my next livery