http://www.dickblick.com/zz200/16/
These are the kind of pastel chalks I'm talking about. They have earthtone sets and greytone sets. They're good for weathering rolling stock and buildings too. Shave them with an Exacto like UP2CSX said.
Earth color pastel chalks from a craft store work well. Grind them up and apply with a paint brush. I'm modeling that basic area. (well...trying to) I'm using Woodland Scenics fine grey blend with some plain fine grey added. About 50/50 mix.
This is what mine is turning out like.
Wash the track and ballast with a thin, very thin coat of basic soil color (makes the track look dusty) or a wash of very thin black. Put some alcohol or dish detergent in the mix to make it "wetter".
Dribble thinned very dark brown or black paint just inside the rails (gear box grease). Around grade crossing put a heavier wash coating of dirt colored paint right along the rails (mud pumping around the crossing). On grades dust a very light coat of tan chalk right along the rails (sand).
Dave H.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
Don't want to go too overboard with my weathering of my track, but what would be a quick and easy way without an airbrush...
also, what color ballast would be good for the Northeast area....
thanks
Mike