Just curious what the general practice is when weathering a loco. I’ve masked the windows in the past (just weathered one loco so far) and have not tried to spray with dull coat etc. without doing so.
Concerned that this will “fog” the windows too much if I just spray the loco without masking or removing them. Removing seems like it may be a daunting task and I’m concerned with damaging the windows in the process.
Any past experiences or practices that could be shared would be appreciated.
I prefer to remove the windows. Never understood why some manufacturers make undecorated engines, passenger cars, cabooses etc. and then glue in the windows?? Removing one piece of glazing from a passenger car is a lot easier than masking all those separate windows.
If you’re modern, there’s probably a FRA regulation that requires clean windows.
Even then, it’s a rare lazy engineer who doesn’t want at least to be able to see where he’s going. The side windows in cabs are much less crucial on locos than in cars…not much merging traffic on the RR. So a clean windshield/dirty side windows approach could work also.
I don’t put the windows in until I have painted, weathered, put on the decals and over sprayed with dullcote. If windows are already installed, I remove them very carefully, paint, weather, etc…
Same here.The windows are among the first things to come off a locomotive when I’m re-working it, and about the last thing added when the rest of the work has been completed.
I have seen some clever use of masking to represent a clean area where the windshield wiper has “cleaned” the window and the rest of the windshield is a bit hazy. Haven’t tried it but I intend to soon.
Subtle but effective!
I cut the sticky part of a Post-It note and use that for masking since it has minimal stickiness and peels off easy.
I particulary like the post above. I’ve used regular masking tape in the past and it was more dificult to work with. I’m going to try the Post-It Note method above on my next project.
May even try the “windshield wiper effect” which is really interesting.
Of course not all windows are the same in cleanliness all the time. But most units have clean windows. I’ve always wanted to model the UP units with the snow wiper(circular) “fighting” a heavy snow storm.
If I have disassembled the model, I remove the windows.
If I cannot, they will be Masked with Liquid Mask, both inside & outside.
Please consider the inside, as that will get you every time, I speak from experience…
That is also why I prefer the disassembly & remove method…
However, find what works best for you, as that is the best solution!
I weather by hand but,still mask the front and door glass and completely remove the side glass (a real pain with Athearn) since I model summer and none of my locomotives is A/C equip…