Hi all,
Fresh off the workbench an Athearn GP35 RTR in HO scale, which I renumbered and weathered. Luckily, the factory paint and decals (ATSF) were correct (to my eyes) and matched the Microscale decals’ yellow. Therefore I didn’t need to repaint / re-decal it as I will have to do for my other Kato GP35’s. Historically it is meant to represent Santa Fe's #1327 phase I in 1965-1967 period.
I first removed the stock numbers using microsol, corrected imperfections using the airbrush and a tight spraying pattern (Gunze blue angel’s blue color). I renumbered the unit using Microscale’s sheet for ATSF diesel units. I haven’t changed the numberboards yet… will do soon.
I need to add lift-rings, MU hoses, coupler cut levers etc, so the unit detail wise is still in stock form. I also kept the stock railings since even though they are not as thin/straight as I would like they are not Kato thick either (will have to replace the latter with formed bronze wire).
Weathering was done in layers starting off with the roof, walkways and all other horizontal surfaces. I employed salt weathering technique here in various layers. Main weathering filters included mixes with flat coats and various dust/earth/grime tones of Gunze/Tamiya Acrylics. Following this, weathering was continued with oils/enamels in various layers, correcting and blending the results of salt weathering and also dealing with the sides and the trucks / lower part of the locomotive. I tried to push the weathering envelope a bit here depicting a tired unit.
This is how it started, factory fresh
And this is the end result.
Some more photos before finalizing the weathering Fuel tank and trucks still require more weathering.
View of the roof before adding exhaust stains
Finished model, 3/4 shot
Side view 1
Long nose view 1
Long nose view 2
Roof view, with added exhaust stains.
Thats about it, i have to glue back some loose railing here and there and weather the couplers (might replace them with Kadee 158 first).
Thank you very much for checking this out, and thanks in advance for your time.
Yannis
Nice job, Yannis! The faded paint, the stains, everything looks great. I like the fuel tank!
The rest of your detail parts will finish this loco out! Just for fun, check out:
http://dieseldetailer.proboards.com/
Mike.
My You Tube
I like it. The locomotive looks very convincing.
.
I hardly ever give anything much more than a very light weathering job. I am so afraid of ruining models in the process.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Mike and Kevin many thanks for the kind words! Mike I will check it out!
Kevin if you like the idea of more weathering, you can always try it by using easy-to-remove effects and see if you like the end result. If you don't, then getting them off will not be an issue (in many cases it can be an issue, depending on the details of the rolling stock and their fragility). Also it is a good idea to practice on "disposable" items, lets say a loco shell you do not want, or an old boxcar.
A bit too dirty for a 60s SF loco, they kept them fairly clean.
Thank you for the feedback azrail. As i said in my opening post i tried to push the weathering envelope (ie making it look rather tired). I plan to have my other units a bit less tired for variety. Having said that i was based on prototype photos (1967/1968) where they were seen rather tired at times.
Yannis,
Excellent weathering! Very convincing.
I have only done a tiny bit of weathering so far. I'm afraid of messing up my models I guess. I did weather the HOn30 critter in my avatar but I think it is a bit overdone:
Handling has taken its toll. I need to touch up the axle bearings where the weathering has worn off.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Dave many thanks for the kind words! The critter you posted looks very nice to me!!! (although i know nothing about the prototype to comment on if it is overdone or not). Did you seal the weathering with some sort of clear coat?
In my opinion, it is a good idea to practice a weathering plan on a "disposable" piece of rolling stock. Ideally something like a locomotive shell or boxcar without many added details on it. Some of the effects are "removable" up to a point especially if you do not have to worry about breaking off fragile detail parts. I tend to use acrylics for colors/coats and enamels for weathering. Let me know if i can be of some help!