This past weekend I attended "Hands on Rails Tampa" put on by the Western Division of the Sunshine Region. Overall it was an excellent experience. One of the two clinics I attended was weathering with powders, and it provided the tipping point to get me on the weathering wagon. I learned a ton, and in the process weathered five cars. Today, I broke out the powders again, and to an extent, started perfecting my rust technique. Here's what I have to show for my work, in order of when it was done: These were from the clinic-two haven't made the picture point yet (one was a complete disaster) For today: (specifically the deck) I'm sharing this to hopefully inspire someone to take the plunge and have themselves a 'first experience'. I'm also up for feedback, and looking for people to share some of their recent work, weathering or otherwise Cheers!
Thanks! As crass as it may sound, the biggest thing was to not worry about what might go wrong, and to not be afraid to make 'mistakes'. Most of the clinic addressed where to apply the powders, and why, based on real world events and what sort of colors to use. Something I learned that I really never thought of before was to weather your trucks, and boy, does it make a different. I never knew how versatile powders were. I would recommend adding them to your weathering arsenal if you haven't already
I don't believe anyone could ever go wrong, when weathering equipment. Most likely there is more than one car out there in 1:1 land, which looks just like yours. Have at it!
Oh I’ve had a “First experience” with weathering. I’ve had a second, third and forth experience with weathering. In fact I could be up into triple digit experiences with weathering and my efforts still result in something that looks like it has been manhandled by a two year old who has just finished eating a half melted Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup.
Well , as Professor Higgins , from My Fair Lady put it ( change she to he ) ... "By Jove I think he's got it " . Really , they look very well done indeed !
I weathered my first loco recently. I used Bragdon powders. It took a bit of a leap of faith as you mentioned, but once you see it isn't going to "kill" you, its awesome!
Thank you :-D I use "stoney mountain classic castings" powders. They're cheap, and apparently effective too. You can find them on ebay (don't forget to search for them using the trainboard ebay search box lol ) in a variety of combinations. I am keen to try out some bragdon and aim powders to see what kind of a difference there is. And yes, I dullcote between each application. This can be up to 6 times per car depending on how much 'do over' I have to do lol. Last night, started working on roofs: The method I used is pretty much the same for rust: apply paint to area and dust with rust colored powders. The kind of paint doesn't matter, just don't brush the powder into the paint and don't stipple it in either. And I have to say, for all that I've done up to this point (about 15 cars or so) these roofs are what I'm most pleased with. That loco looks good primavw, subtle but noticeable what's your next undertaking? Cheers!
I respectfully disagree with the statement that you can never go wrong. As mentioned in another thread of similar topic, there are those that can weather and those that...well...you know (incidentally, I tend to fall in the latter category and often experience what SD90ns said!). I believe the eye can easily pick up on what looks "natural" and what doesn't and this includes weathering. I also believe that it is a true art form that is very, very difficult to do convincingly. That said, I do like the models pictured and I would love to learn how to do the heavy rust effect on roofs, etc. I end up with a stinking mess when I try to dust wet paint with powders.
That might be part of your problem. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, dust wet paint with ANYTHING. Make sure your model is 100% completely dry before doing ANY weathering! I like chalk weathering (unless it is Bragdon) as the best part about it is, if you think you screwed it up, simply wash it off with soap and water. Bragdon being the exception to this rule. However, if I have a bunch of items to weather, I use an airbrush as it cuts the time in half. I get GREAT results with both though. Ryan
I would normally agree with you but I believe the guys that have mastered the heavy rusting effect on, say, autorack roofs are doing something where they sprinkle chalks on wet paint to achieve their unbelievable effects. Generally, I stick with light passes with an airbrush and/or a little light dry-brushing with chalks an call it good.
I'll be doing some more work later, if you'd like I can shoot a couple step by step pictures Not that I'm an expert but I haven't heard anyone bash my work yet
