I also use only pastels or regular blackboard type chalks with no sealer. That way they can be washed off completely should I decide to make changes. I also only weather modern lower priced cars and leave the high priced and pre 1969 models alone.
However, since my main layout is in transition I've only weathered a dozen cars and 1 MTH N&W 0-8-0. Since I also run multiple scales on multiple seasonal layouts, I segregate some equipment for use on those pikes only. For example, I keep all postwar pieces in "as found" condition for use on my bedroom O and S layout which features a fair amount of Plasticville. Whereas my MTH, Atlas and any other scale or semi-scale cars and engines run only on the large basement pike. Fancy MTH reefers escape rust there but Industrial Rail cars and modern Lionel starter set cars are likely to wind up with holes in them!
Becky
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
I come from a HO and N pedigree, where everything received at least a light overspray of dust or grimy black (airbrushed). For some reason, weathering didn't translate into O gauge railroading, for me. I would consider myself a Hi-Railer, primarily, but I have yet to booger up any of my O gauge rolling stock or engines, even though most of my structures get the treatment. At train shows,whenever I do walk by a table with weathered equipment, most times the owner over-did it.
But if I did, I would use artists pastel chalks, ground down to a powder, and dry brushed onto the equipment. No overspray. No dull-coat. Just chalks.
And as for The "J", Lionel tried selling a weathered "warhorse" a few years back...it too looked overdone. I have railfanned both the N&W J - 611, as well as the A - 1218, and they were kept remarkably spotless, and on a bright day you could see yourself in the boiler jacket. For weathering, I would check out some of O Winston Link's photos for inspiration.
Jack, Thanks for the heads-up on the prior thread on this topic. I have seen some very nice looking weathered items in O gauge, and have even researched some good sources for the doing the work (esp. on the engines). It's more an issue of altering the unit in the first place. Take the Lionel N&W class J unit at the top/header of this page...to weather or not to weather??
Paul.......there was a thread here about 2 years ago I think) where a poster provided pictures of his weathered engines and rolling stock. They looked beautifully realistic.. You may be able to do a search on this forum, get lucky, and find the thread and the pictures.
Jack.
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
I know there are two schools of thought on the issue, but I rather enjoy making my locomotives and rolling stock look like they've been workin' on the railroad. After all, they've got all the sound, smoke, and lighting effects -- why not give 'em an authentic appearance too? I like the notion that my toy trains DON'T look like any of the others out their -- for that I'm willing to sacrifice a Like New appearance/value. Cool thing is that my son also recognizes when my trains are a bit too clean to be "in sevice." Compare my unweathered and weathered Lionel SD40-2s.
dead line downsizing.html
If there's a loco I'd prefer to keep looking "new," I'll simply add rust (paint) to the wheels to suggest it's fresh from the manufacturer.
in with factory new.html
It's all good (dirty) fun to me! -- Kent
C&NW,
Ask the "Model Railroader" forum people.
Ralph
I haven't (deliberately) weathered anything; but it seems to me that it could be a completely reversible process if you use water-based paint.
Bob Nelson
I was wanting to get some of forum's thoughts on "weathering" O gauge motive units; i.e. do you? or would you? or is it not for you?
I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, and I'm not looking for a source/provider of weathering services.
However, as much as I, and certainly many of you, strive for realism in our layouts, I have a difficult time taking the next step in weathering my rolling stock, not to mention my powered motive units (which I would have professionally done until I perfected the skill).
At some of the trains shows I've attended, it seems to me that the N gauge and HO gauge people are more comfortable weathering their units (motive and rolling stock). I like the look of weathering and certainly, based on some of the ebay auctions, weathering certainly commands a premium price. Maybe it is because I have always viewed the smaller gauges as being more about the modeling whereas, at least for me, O gauge has been more about the trains themselves...and I feel like weathering, while good for the layout context, is modifying a work of art that is the engine in and of itself. Anyhow, I very much welcome your thoughts. Paul
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month