Atlas Code 83 Weathering

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have a question,
I have used Blacken-it and Micro Engineerings Rial Weathering Solution for a long time now to weather all of my Peco track and it works quick and looks fantastic. I just bought a 100pcs box of code 83 flex from atlas and I can’t get it to look right. It also takes about 20-30 min. instead of 3-5 min. to blacken the rails, and on top of it all there are spots that didn’t really blacken so it is really uneven. I have washed the code 83 in dishwasher soap and in clothes deturgent with no change at all in the end results. I really like the looks of the ties on the atlas track but I am really considering taking it back to the hobby store and buying the code 75 Peco track.

If anyone has a tip or suggestions I would really apprishate the feed back.

Thank you all,
Ross Waters
Spokane WA

2

Try washing it with rubbing alcohol, the spotting sounds like it’s got oil on it. FRED

3

Here is the system I have used for weathering Atlas Code 83 track. After my track was mounted to the layout, but before I added the ballast, I painted the sides of the rails with Floquil Rail Brown (this was extremely tedious, and reccomend experimenting with other methods, also, I would use an acryilc-based paint in the future). Second, i used an old sock soaked w/ rubbing alcohol to remove paint from the tops of the rails. Third, I took a black wash (black acrylic craft paint thinned out with water), and brushed it over the rails and ties. The results are fantastic!! Just remember to weather a couple feet of track at a time and dont rush yourself.

Now . . . I need to find the time to weather all of my track like this, and maybe even put that ballast down . . . .

Josh Ziegler
Spokane, WA

4

I’ve noticed the same thing with Atlas 83 and to a lesser extent with unweathered Micro Engineering. It could be a mold release agent used with the plastic ties. Weak solvents like isopropyl alcohol eliminate some of the problem, while stronger stuff like paint thinners can work better. You’ll likely not get even blackeneing, but using blackener to roughen the rail surface to improve paint adhesion is still worthwhile.