Most of the autos and trucks on my layout are Classic Metal Works (Mini Metals) vehicles. The finishes on them are slick and shiney. And there's the problem, they look too much like toys. I would like to tone them down and give them more realism. Could you guys give me some pointers? What are your techniques?
Thanks.
A matt or semi-gloss finish would be a start. A lot depends on what the vehicle is and how it is used. A family car or pickup truck would just need the shiney toned down a bit with semigloss spray. Something similar for a delivery truck that needs to look good pulling into a customers place of business.
An older car or truck might be showing some rust around the wheel wells and rocker panels. maybe a matt spray to show the age and wear on the paint. For the rust, dry brush a dark brown like the old Floquil roof brown in the appropriate places. Burnt umber artist acrylic is a good substitute. A light mist of roof brown or something simiar on the top surfaces can add a bit of rust patina.
Then there is just dirt and mud for a vehicle needing a wash. Floquil Grime did well for that; I have not found a substitute for that yet.
You need to remove the body and separate the plastic window glass. This is a good time to cut it to show windows down. few 50s vehicles had A/C, so, uness it is cold or raining, some windows need to be down. Start by scoring the edge of the windows with an X-acto knife to get a cutting line. Use a fine tooth razor saw to cut from the bottom of the clear plastic up to the roof line, and snap the piece out. Test fit and clean up with a fine flle.
also add driver and passenger figures unless the car is going to be parked.
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Well, on the older die-cast ones I have drilled out the rivets, disassembled the vehicle (because I hate masking windows), and given the body a spray of semi-gloss or dull-coat depending on whether it's a well kept vehicle or a work-horse. If I plan to depict the vehicle in transit, I add a figure or two.The newer plastic vehicles have screws attaching the floor to the body, so no drilling is needed.I guess trucks could get a light weathering spray (greyish brown or the like), but I haven't really done that.
While I do this for most module/diorama vehicles I also have a collection of pre-1960s CMW (and other manufactures like Oxford) which I have in a display case - these I don't weather.
Another thing to do while the vehicle is in pieces. I have often found the thickness of the plastic window insert will interfere with the head of the figure, preventing the vehicle from going back together. I often just saw across the clear casting just behind the windshield and behind the drivers seat to give a bit more clearance. I re-install the pieces of window using Canopy Glue.
Thanks guys, you're the best!
Sometimes it's nice to have a few shiny ones around.
Regards, Peter
Are these vehicle weathered enough for you ?
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Great looking junk yard scene. I love the way you have the weeds growing through the vehicles.
Here are a few of mine, some more weathered than others
Hi,
I've found that the downside of many otherwise very nice and realistic layout pics is the toy like shine of the vehicles. A spray of dull - cote (or brush on) will help a lot. And if you want more, then weather them like you would a rail car first.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Great work, George!
While watching some Video Game reviews, YouTube in its "Up Next" recommendations linked to this video. "Building a Model Railway - Part 18 - Road Vehicles". After watching it, I found that a) It had some good points, and b) it demonstrates some of the techniques mentioned in this thread so far.Yes, the vehicles are OO scale die-cast, representive UK vehicles of the '70s & '80s, but the guy covers disassembly (including drilling out rivets), clean-up, dull-coating (he uses Matte varnish), weathering, detailing (particularly window weather striping - he's got a steady painting hand I have to admit). His results do look pretty good, so maybe give it a view if you (OP or not) are still thinking of weathering vehicles.His 'dab & smooth' technique for painting weather striping is something I haven't tried before, looks like it only works well if you have a knack for it...