How to Realistically Weather N Scale Tank Cars

n2BNSF Aug 16, 2017

  1. n2BNSF

    n2BNSF TrainBoard Member

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    Do you get frustrated trying to get realistic looking weathering effects on you freight cars? Here is how I weather my tank cars with an airbrush with pretty decent results.

     
  2. SecretWeapon

    SecretWeapon Passed away January 23, 2024 In Memoriam

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    Someday i'll get an air brush.(y)
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2017
  3. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    I'm thinking weathering powders and a spray can of dullcoat cost a ton less then a compressor and airbrush...LOL
    :LOL::LOL::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::LOL::LOL:
     
  4. WFOJeff

    WFOJeff TrainBoard Member

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    I have an airbrush and do okay but I think the paints I have are junk...they tend to plug the tip and cause a small spitting, I often have to take the nozzle apart and clean during painting...what paint brand do you use in general or do you use different paint brands per application?

    I like the clothespins, my hands are very painted afterwards.
     
  5. n2BNSF

    n2BNSF TrainBoard Member

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    The main thing is to make sure you don't have any clumps in your paint and that it is adequately thinned. My Badger airbrush actually has a screen that goes over the siphon hose which keeps clumps out of the airbrush. It is a real lifesaver. I think you can get something similar for most airbrushes if they are siphon fed. If they are gravity fed from a color cup you just have to make sure that the paint is thin and smooth.

    Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
     
  6. Steve Zink

    Steve Zink TrainBoard Member

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    Solved one problem with how to hold the silly things.....Brilliant!!!!!
     
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  7. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    I use small clear plastic cups to mix my paint in, such as those used for Communion at our church. As seen below, these are sized for about one sip and are perfect for N Scale.

    It's much easier to thin the paint in a clear cup because you can see through it. I find that a milk-like consistency is perfect. When I get it as I want, I pour the thinned mixture in my airbrush cup and spray away.
    [​IMG]
     
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  8. will kling

    will kling New Member

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    I really enjoyed your video.... you took a step further with this one. I think anyone can use an Air Brush just takes practice on scraps. I do feel your compressor needs a filter / filter trap... when humidity is high I tend to lay the gun down. I use the Badger stir and seems to mix the paint better.
     
  9. n2BNSF

    n2BNSF TrainBoard Member

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    I do have a filter and moisture trap on my compressor.

    Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
     
  10. n2BNSF

    n2BNSF TrainBoard Member

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    I have considered a paint mixer, just haven't popped for one yet. Thanks so much for watching.

    Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
     
  11. will kling

    will kling New Member

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    I figured you had a filter / trap but a lot of guys starting out have never been advised. Yes you will like the badger paint stir when the paint settles it does quick work braking up the solid at the bottom. On your you tube site I still can not leave a comment or like....something to do with my google log in. You do a first rate show.
     
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  12. n2BNSF

    n2BNSF TrainBoard Member

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    I don't know why that would be regarding comments/likes--strange. Thanks for the kind words. I enjoy doing this and folks seem to mostly enjoy watching them.
     
  13. jpwisc

    jpwisc TrainBoard Member

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    I think I picked mine up from Micro-Mark, they put them on sale a couple times a year for about $10. Worth every penny.
     
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  14. Grantha

    Grantha TrainBoard Member

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    Good job Ron. You're assembling a very good YouTube channel.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  15. n2BNSF

    n2BNSF TrainBoard Member

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    Thank you.

    Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
     

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