I recently came across some videos where weathering chalk was used to weather track ties. The results look great but have reservations about the use of them regarding possible problems with the dust collecting on the wheels of my cars and or into the wrong places of my turnouts.
Something tells me to stay away from this method of weathering track but was curious if anyone has tried this method and what were the results.
Ya I don't see this as a good idea. The weathering powders are very sticky and cling onto anything. It would just gum up the track, wheels, not good.
Use an airbrush for weathering the track.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
I tried that once. While the effect was nice, it took me ages later on to get all that stuff out of the gears and motors.
I can't see that it would be more of a problem than people who spray paint ties and rails all at once. I'd say you'd have more control with the weathering powders as far as where it went than you'd have with paint. Yes, you'd want to be careful around switches, but you have to be careful with paint too.
Not to worry. Use of weathering powders on track is no more problematic than using them on locos or cars.
While This area doesn't have any commercial weathering powders sold as such, I did use a lot of chalk dust, which lacks a binder and theoretically should be able to move around more. Weathering remains in place just fine and doesn't cause performance issues. We did use some weathering powders (with the binder) on a friend's layout and have had no problems there either. If you're concerned, applying a fixative like Dullcote could doubly ensure everything stays put.
Rob Spangler
Ulrich, I love your signature and the town of Hamburg. Someday I hope to get back to Germany.
Don Schonberg
Rob, what a picture, your track looks great and it is the same effect I am going after. I did not know that the commercial weathering powers had binders in them, good to know. I did see where some people applied Dullcote and even mixed the chalk with alcohol and brushed it on.
Thanks for the great feedback to everyone.