"ok it's Scale coat II in rattle cans. So the finish isn't too hot, but I just don't have the cash for a air brush right now." Finish looks fine to me. The photo comes out (on my computer screen, anyway) about actual size, so I'd expect anything really bad to show up, and nothing jumps out at me. I'd be happy to produce results like that. Way to go. Ed
Thanks Ed. Seriously, the finish is a little orange peelish because of the large paint droplets. I am actually thinking of doing the equivalent of bounce weathering on the next one I paint so that only the finer overspray actually gets on the model. I noticed your icon. Do you really model Mexican railways? I remember a Atlas diesel for Mexican Railways, I almost bought it but it must have been a collector item because they just disappeared before I got to it. This of course leads me to the big question. Do you have pictures online of your layout? I do not know alot about them but they sound interesting.
"...the finish is a little orange peelish because of the large paint droplets. " Fair enough, doesn't show in the picture but I can understand that. I've only recently started painting and have been using rattle cans from the hardware store with some success. But my goals and standards are probably more modest. "I noticed your icon. Do you really model Mexican railways? ..... Do you have pictures online of your layout? I do not know alot about them but they sound interesting." Long story, when I recently retired and moved down here I took up more of an interest in Mexican railroads. Yeah, it is an interesting story, although probably not any more so that rr's NOB. I'm at the 'free' end of freelance, and my idea for my (little 3'x 6'-8") layout is a short line running through the area where we now live (the line would run from Tampico down to Poza Rica in Veracruz state). Although they talked about running a line through there, and there were several narrow gauge industrial roads around here, there never was such a line. This is my first layout (at 58 yrs old) that I actually expect to get to an operational state. Right now it has about 80% of the track layed, and I'm working on wiring the blocks up. I've got shots on RailImages, but there's not a lot to look at. Here's a recent overview. I think you can click on the picture to enlarge it. Here's the approximate trackplan. This is with sectional track and I've done some modification using flextrack. Regards Ed
Geeky: The semi-airbrush route isn't that expensive. I've got a Testors spray gun (I gues you'd call it an external mix single action) that cost less than $20 with a couple of bottles. I also have a Testors compressor (cheap and non-adjustable) that I believe I spent less than $100 for. The difference in the results is amazing! Also, I've found that paint from a spray can and bottled paint (same manufacturer, same color) can come out looking quite different when dry. I use the ModelFlex paints; a fresh bottle will spray straight as is, no mixing needed. BTW, my memories of Utah are of the sign that said "No Services Next 126 Miles!"
This isn't the place to talk about it but I will have to email you about your thoughts on mexico. I keep reading about people retiring down there and frankly I'm tired of the cost of living up here. I also took spanish lessons last year and can actually follow dialogue in spanish movies... Ok I better save al this for an email. I clicked that picture and I have to say I really like the way your track is curvy. It looks like it's gonna be a really nice layout.
To TGB, The results on your IC GP38 look good. It is nice to know that you have something that is unique and not available commercially. Even better feeling when it is the result of your own efforts. Spray cans can be used for painting, but do have some limitations for N scale equipment. The cheap Badger/Testors external mix airbrushes are very good with Modelflex paints. The paint does not dry inside the airbrush like it does with the internal mix ones. For years my painting was done using my race tyres from my Mini. Not much volume in 6.00 x 10" tyre! Compressors are much cheaper now. Most of your decalling concerns were answered by the previous dudes. Jason has turned out some of the best paint and decal jobs that I have had the privelige to see. He knows his subject! Keep up your efforts on re-painting and re-lettering. Norco.
Boxcab,didnt he have a fine N trak layout base on a bulk grain storage area he used to live in?He did some nice work,very inspiring! Norco,aww shucks mate,thanks for the kind words.
ok guys whats this external mix Vs. internal mix stuff? I'm air brush moron here. And yes I will be painting more as time progresses. I still need a City of New Orleans passenger set. I doubt anyone makes that RTR.
Geeky: Intenal mix pulls the paint up through the airbrush body and sprays it through the nozzle (most of the Aztec line is like this). These have separate, usually removable, nozzles and have a bad tendency to clog up when using ModelFlex paints (don't know about solvent paints as I avoid them for airbrushing). External mix has an air nozzle which flows over a separate paint nozzle (the one I have has a cap-mounted nozzle with a siphon tube down into a bottle of paint). The air flow pulls the paint up by vacuum and turns it into a spray. The internal mix has the advantage of enabling much better control (I've seen articles about folks doing really thin lines freehand) while the external mix is easier to clean and, like I said, doesn't clog too readily with the ModelFlex. Hope this helps and again, think about trying it. The sprayer I have costs less (probably) than a MT car, and you could give it a try with a can of Propel to see if it works for you.
I will have to spend some time at the art supply store oggling airbrushes. Argh another expensive habit.
Have a look at this previous thread - http://www.trainboard.com/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/13/t/001646.html#000010 Also, for a description of airbrush types - http://www.tpub.com/content/draftsman/14263/css/14263_289.htm
Geek, Before you buy consider trying George at Wig Wags thats where I bought my airbrush from and I'm really pleased with it. Wig Wags George also visits this site so you can always ask him a question
