Weathering Help

[garya]

doctorwayne

That's a great-looking scene, Rob, and as good or better than any I've seen for blending modelled scenery into a backdrop.  Very nicely done! 

Wayne

 

+1

[wp8thsub]

It's off topic, but thanks, Wayne!

[FRRYKid]

dknelson

Agreed.   DullCote then brush on a mix of isopropyl alcohol with some india ink mixed in.  That alcohol/india ink mix produces very different results if it is brushed versus sprayed on, and if the surface is vertical (meaning the liquid can run down as if dirt + rain) versus horizontal where it pools. 

What sort of mix would you suggest for the india ink to alcohol?

[doctorwayne]

That's a great-looking scene, Rob, and as good or better than any I've seen for blending modelled scenery into a backdrop.  Very nicely done! 

Wayne

[wp8thsub]

I weathered one of these using mostly chalks.  I sometimes use a damp paint brush to push the chalk around like a wash, so it's very controllable.

The deck was handled separately.  I painted it with gray spray can primer, then finished it with water color pencils and I literally drew much of the weathering on with the pencils and pastel sticks.  Note that decals for the consolidated stencils and U-1 inspection symbols were added afther most of the weathering so they looked newer.

[dknelson]

Agreed.   DullCote then brush on a mix of isopropyl alcohol with some india ink mixed in.  That alcohol/india ink mix produces very different results if it is brushed versus sprayed on, and if the surface is vertical (meaning the liquid can run down as if dirt + rain) versus horizontal where it pools. 

Lately I have been following the methods suggested in the article "Realistic Weathering in 3 Easy Steps" by John Feraca, NMRA Magazine, March 2016.  These have quickly become my weathering "basics."  The three steps: spray with DullCote; brush on an alcohol/India ink mix; apply pastels or powders.  It takes practice to get the hang of this - any skill needs practice.  But good results do not need the final step of pastels or powders. 

 

Another article I have been using quite a bit lately: "Enhance the Deck of a Ready-to-Run Flatcar" by M.R. Snell, Model Railroader, November 2014.  Matt Snell uses a large shop file to "torture" the tops and edges of the plastic decks.  My own refinement is to use a drywall screw instead (or in addition) for somewhat greater control, and then bring out the gaps between deck boards with a dental pick.  Any article by Matt Snell contains good weathering advice.

 

A different approach is "Weathering a Flatcar Deck" by Lou Sassi.  Model Railroader, June 2009.  Again, any weathering article by Lou Sassi will have great tips.  

 

You also want to make sure that both the trucks and the wheels are somewhat weathered -- and not left factory fresh.

 

Dave Nelson 

 

 

[rrebell]

Try an india ink wash.

[FRRYKid]

Got yet another question for my forum friends.

What would be the best method for replicating the weathering shown on the flat car shown here? My best guess is a 2 to 3 parts grimy black paint to 10 parts oily black. Just enough to dirty up the car, but not enought to completely obscure the lettering. I don't trust myself with chalks or anything like that. I am much better with paints.

As usual, any help would be most welcomed.