What issue had the article about using ink pens to weather ties and rail? Thanks.
I can't tell you the issue but I tried them and didn't like the job they did on the rails especially in the area of the tie plates.
My best results have come from a roller, forgot the name, and a stiff brush. Spray painting seems to be popular but it's not for me. I don't have an air brush and if I used a rattle can my wife would end my modeling days. She's very allergic to any petroleum based product.
For me painting the rails is the the worst part of doing scenery but it is one of the most important.
Good luck
Bob
Don't Ever Give Up
I did a search of Kalmbach Publishing, it only returned 2 articles, and those dated back to 1989. Also, both articles were about using paint pens on wood and rolling stock.
I've experimeted with paint pens. Never had any luck with it bonding to the rails, even after several coats, it still didn't give me the appearance I was looking for. I do like the look after using it on the ties and it doesn't take long to do it.
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Thank you, gentlemen.
I also think the paint pens do a poor job when used by themselves. It's especially difficult to get sufficient coverage on rail. The pens are more useful for adding weathering over a primer coat that hides the plastic and metal sheen. I've seen numerous photos of track done solely with the pens, and almost invariably the rail color looks translucent, with the ties not much better.
Rob Spangler
That's discouraging to hear. I had been planning to use them on my rails. I'll still order some and give it a shot. This video give me hope (it should automatically start at the point he starts to paint the rails)
http://youtu.be/BJTcKn28ELs?t=1m55s
FWIW I received my Testors CreateFX paint pens in the mail and gave them a try. I didn't have any problems with coverage and they coated the rails in one pass. I did a more detailed comparison w/ photos in my layout journal over in the layout forum (bare rail compared with rail primed w flat brown spray paint, etc.).