Weathering?

[Anonymous]

I am just coming over from HO and am reading everything that time allows.
I am curious about weathering of O scale equipment such as engines and cars along with the track etc. I see what seem to be "Purists" who create layouts on green boards mostly devoid of scenery with all equipment looking "out of the box" and then I see layouts that remind me of the sort of sceniking I was doing with HO with the equipment still looking "out of the box".
I have a new Lionel Shay that has my airbrush finger itching to dust on some grime, dust, and rust. Is this sacreligeous?
I know its up to me, but I dont want to lay waste to the collectability/resale factor and yet, making things look prototypical is a very hard habit to break.
I would welcome your thoughts.

Thanks,

blabree11

[FJ and G]

welcome to the large scale!

My Heinz pickle car was too red so I left it in the sun for about 8 months. When to check on it Sunday and found some hornets making their home inside.

[FJ and G]

My construction techniques tend to be shoddy, which I suppose can be a good point in making structures and stuff look beaten down, grungy and weathered. Here's an example:

[Anonymous]

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. That's hilarious Dave.

Weathering is your call! I wouldn't weaher any vintage toy trains personally, but some of the newer stuff seems perfect for weathering. What ever you do... post your results!

Greg

[Dr. John]

If you desire weathering - go for it! While many of us are into the toy train look, there are a number who still weather equipment, buildings, etc.

I've noticed that Weaver models is offering some nicely done pre-weathered versions of their locomotives and rolling stock (for an additional $50).

Personally, I think that the collectibility aspect of toy trains is somewhat over-rated - at least as far as monetary value is concerned. While I would hesitate to weather a pre-war or nice post war piece, I'd have no hesitation at all about weathering more recent equipment like your Shay.

[KentJJ]

Part of what has kept me interested and re-investing in this hobby is the fact that I freely detail and weather just about every toy train item I own— including accesories, rolling stock and locomotives!
For me, the investment isn't the item itself. Instead, I tend to view the model as a basic platform to facilitate my personal investment of time and maybe even talent. While a mint condition model may appreciate or depreciate in value due to factors out of my control, I like to think that my weathering/detailing efforts are priceless — or sometimes "valueless," if my airbrush isn't cooperating! ;-)
Go for it, blabree11!

Kent Johnson
Classic Toy Trains

[Anonymous]

If you are a collector, don't weather. If you are an operator, do whatever makes you feel happy.

BTW, Lionel did try offering a few sets that included weathered cars/locomotives, WarHorse set comes to mind. I'm guessing these weren't terribly popular or we would have seen more.

A possible compromise is use of water soluable paints and chalk pastels that can be easily removed. For some folks dust could be construed as "weathering"!

[Anonymous]

If it gives you enjoyment...DO IT! That's what the hobby is about. Life's too short to worry about "resale". Welcome to "O", and have fun. Joe

[Anonymous]

Never could bring myself to "ugly up" my train stuff - to each his own.

[Anonymous]

Resale is finding the right buyer. I'm sure there will always be a buyer for your weathered pieces. There are always people with the same tastes. Besides, I don't buy it to sell it, I buy it to enjoy it. You sound like you want to keep it anyway!!

[Anonymous]

YOub can always paint as it was.