Bragdon Weather System

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I have just ordered a set of powdered pastel colors from Bragdon and I’m eagerly awaiting their arrival. I have never used a weathering system like this and wanted to know about any first hand tips and tricks anyone may want to share for the application methods on structures, rolling stock, engines, etc. About all I have gathered is that you just brush it on, is that all there really is to it?

Thanks,

Ryan

2

I’ve used them for several years and really like them. I apply them over a flat finish, usually dullcoat and build them up very slowly. They do stick quite well so it’s a lot easier to add more than to remove some. I’d definitely recommend expeimenting with them on some old freight cars to get familiar with them.
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins

3

[#ditto] … except I’ve only been using them for a few weeks. It took weathering a couple of cars to get a feel for using Bragdon’s powders but now I’m able to apply some very subtle weathering effects – the kind that people will not realize they’re seeing until you point out the weathering.

One little tip: Weathering with these powders is no easier on the brushes you use than weathering with pastels (chalks) – it simply destroys them. These powders are even worse in that regard than pastels because of the adhesive in the Bragdon powders.

BUT…I found some disposable brushes at my LHS that fill the bill very nicely. I paid all of $1.03 for 10 of them so I don’t feel too bad when one becomes unusable. These are labeled “Microbrush” but I’d guess there are others.

Chuck

4

I have used these powders for several years. they work great.

I have developed a system of box lids (copy machine paper boxes) for applying the stuff. I use one lid per color and apply the color to the model over the lid. Any excess that falls off goes into the lid where I can reuse it. I have found that I can really go at a model with the powder and nor have to worry about wasting it and about making a big mess. When one color contaminates another I save all the residue in another lid and apply this (mucky black, grey brown) to the inside of hoppers and underside of cars.

I have also experimented with painting car roofs flat black (if the roof was black to begin with) and then using the powder over it …comes out looking pretty good. If you botch a car, you can just wash it off with water and start over.

5

Thanks to all for the tips and tricks, they will be very helpful to me upon arrival of the product, I can’t wait to try it out! The tips on using disposable brushes and paper box lids are great, I will have to start collecting them too.

Thanks again,

Ryan

6

[:D] I just got the product in today and I am chomping at the bit to test out all the new techniques you guys have imparted in the postings. Just need to get some handy dandy cheapy brushes and still collecting those paper box tops.

Thanks for all the tips!

  • Ryan
    [^][^]
7

Any link to get additional info on this weathering system?

8

Yep, here it is: http://www.bragdonent.com/weather.htm

He also has a foam landscape system I am researching now.

Hope this helps,

Ryan