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If you use a Columbian, you should get the penciling back in the second generation on half of the chicks. Let me get back to you on that. This is something I've been looking into but I need to look at a good book quick. I'll tell you tomorrow.
Co is just a normal gene, but pencilling a combination effect (according to Carefoot). It combines brown, the pattern gene and silver. So it you crossed the Co in, then went back to the pencilled on the second generation, you should get some pencilled. I'm sure you'd run into some other problems, but I think it could work. I agree that a decent partridge would be better, but you already have Columbians, so why not try? In my opinion, it's a lot better than a cross-breeding, but sometimes you have to do that, too. Funny thing, too: If you take those F1s and cross them on Laced birds, you should get some decent laced birds in the first year and close the loops in the second generation! Columbian is part of what forms lacing...
