Weathering a grain elevator

[ModelTrain]

Hi everyone!

I have just began weathering my grain elevator. I am using a metal brush to try to remove a little bit of paint like the paint is chipping.

What do you think? Should I continue like this or stop right now and do something else?

Thanks for your help!

[ChrisVA]

Take a look at using weathering chalks. I have found that they are very good at making things look dirty and weathered. Apply them conservatively and add a little at a time. Good Luck!

 

[kasskaboose]

Def use weathering chalks. I love them for weathering cars and structures.  On the grain elevator, I used a faint yellow color to mimc corn or grain.

You can get a set of artist chalks with a wide variet of colors from most craft stores.

[ModelTrain]

Ok so weathering chalks are not the same as pastel?

[doctorwayne]

ModelTrain

Ok so weathering chalks are not the same as pastel?

 

 

I wasn't aware that there might be chalks specifically for weathering.  In most cases, chalk will work okay for weathering, but usually needs overspraying with a clear fixative, such as Dullcote.
I use oil-based pastels for weathering.  They come in stick-form, with round or square cross-sections, and wrapped in paper, much like a crayon.

 

I simply rub the pastel stick over coarse sandpaper...

 

...then dump the resultant "dust" into the clear plastic "blisters" used for small items, such as Krazy Glue...

 

 

It's applied to the item being weathered using older brushes that are no longer suitable for painting.  
While much of my rolling stock cycles on- and off-layout regularly, the weathering seems to adhere well, and doesn't show finger prints, either.

However, I have noticed that if the powdered material isn't used within a few days, it doesn't adhere as well.

While I use pastels for some weathering, I often also combine it with airbrushed weathering, the pastels applied last, and usually fairly sparingly...

 

 

 

 

 

 

This scratchbuilt former coal elevator doesn't yet have a home on the layout, but it was weathered using successive coats of paint: first light grey primer, then green, then a coat of boxcar red, followed by some light sanding using dry fine wet/dry sandpaper, to remove some of the paint layers...

 

 

 

 

 

Wayne

[Track fiddler]

Some nice-looking modeling Wayne.  I always appreciate your work

I think every individual modeler prefers their favorite medium.  Through experimentation one can find out what works best for them.

I prefer India ink diluted with alcohol and paint washes for almost anything I weather.  I use chalks as well to create heavier weathering effects or to lighten things up.

Someone showed me the use of solid color sporadically before India ink.

Kinda freaky

Mixed my India ink/alcohol solution a little too dark the first time around.

A little scuff here a little scuff there with some ultra fine sheets and sanding sticks.

Some gray washes and chalk dustings lightened things up.

 

 

 

TF

[ChrisVA]

Take a look at these. Not chalks but basically pigments. I've used them, they work quite well.

https://www.walthers.com/weathering-kit-1oz-8

[doctorwayne]

Thanks for your kind words, TF. 

I initially thought that the weathering method that you used on your grain elevator was unusual, but the finished results really show that you knew what you were doing....excellent results!

Wayne

[SeeYou190]

Lastspikemike

I've used these as well. They really are basically powdered pigments. The powder sticks to everything so I recommend you set up your model on plastic or paper towel to catch the spillage.

I use powders too.

I keep them in a plastic box like this.

I made this cardboard cabinet to help catch the powders that get into everything. It really helps a lot.

Sometimes I weather lightly.

Sometime heavily.

Could you share pictures of how you do this?

I would love to learn.

-Kevin

[ModelTrain]

Thanks everyone. I will check all your suggestions.

Thanks also Wayne for all your excellent pictures. When are you going to write a book? I will buy one for sure.

[Track fiddler]

Thanks for your kind comments Wayne.

Nice weathering examples Kevin

 

Some good weathering pointers and techniques here,  Thanks

 

 

TF