Jimmy:
Pretty good first attempt!
You could model the building as though the office roof is just being re-done. Woodland Scenics offers a roofing crew which would work perfectly with your story.
http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/Item/A1828/page/1
I agree with the suggestion to get some junk around the bottom of the walls. I would also suggest some more dirt splatter on the walls close to the ground, and maybe a few weeds at the foundation.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I do need to touch up the roof, then again, I could always say they had to replace the original roof over the office building that summer due to the previous roof falling in due to snow accumulation in last year's winter snow storm . I did find a local scrap yard building that actually looks dirtier than this one, but I think I am at a happy medium. I do need some signs on the buildings, designing those tomorrow. I lso figured, I have a second building that they keep spotless for their "public office".
(My Model Railroad, My Rules)
These are the opinions of an under 35 , from the east end of, and modeling, the same section of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railway. As well as a freelanced road (Austinville and Dynamite City railroad).
Jimmy,
It looks great for a first try.
I used weathering powders or my weathering "try"s. well, Not "try"s because they are done.
Yours might even be a bit too dirty. There should be a window pane or two plywooded over on the "office" part, if you are going for the "abused look".
Some well placed weathered "junque" outside may not be amiss either.
That black roof won't be so "black" after years of "neglect" {use}. I think someone said "gray it down a bit" I woudl agree.
Now for some other finishing touches:
maybe a sign saying "DO NOT BLOCK DOOR" maybe on the garage door?
An "OFFICE" sign over the door on the "office" part.
a rusty chain-link fence around part of it.
SOme grassy patches along the walls.
The main thing is "What do YOU think"?
Enjoy it!
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Also, keep in mind that "splotches" of dirt, grime, and spills are common on industrial buildings like this scrapyard structure...but only down near the ground where people and machines are. You'll find lots of paint patches down there, not so much fifteen feet off the ground.
I like it.
Jim, looks great for first shot. Don't forget to "knock" down that black on the flat roof, it would get filthy in no time. Weathered black, gray drybrush or washes whatever you like. Some of the older metal roof panels would start to show some rusting. Don't need to go "nuts" just some streaking from seams etc. vertical stains from rust/ dirt would also be on the side walls. Good job.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
For a first try, how does this look?
I was going for the look of a building that has been in a scrap yard for many years, so it would be dirty, and unclean.