fading the paint

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have a Athearn Cf7 that is just too pretty. So its time for some heavy weathering! Anybody got some good tips to get it grimey?

2

Hey TravyG.

You didn’t indicate if you had an airbrush or if you were using paint brushes.

Anyway, if I may suggest. Start with the underbody (trucks and fuel tank) first. Depending on the job (and my mood) I use either paint brushes or the airbrush.

Here’s an easy method using modelers paint brushes, Polly Scale paint, and a small tray or jar.: In less than 2 minutes I get some super results!

Take Polly Scale or any other waterbased Gray Primer or White. Pour a small amount into a tiny tray. For the amount you pour in, thin it 75% (1 part paint, 3 parts distilled water).

Do the same with Polly Scale Rust in another tray or jar. What you just created is called a “Paint Wash”. It’s very thin!

Now, gently pry off the side frames off of your CF7 with a flat blade screwdriver. The sideframes are held in place with two molded on pins, so be gentle. Once you have all 4 side frames, dip your paint brush into the gray wash and vertically stroke the wash on your sideframes in a downward motion. Then do the same thing with the Rust colored wash. Use the same paint brush. Yes, you will want to use the same brush!

You will see the paint wash run into every tiny nook and cranny on your sideframes. Don’t worry if at first they look “weird” and “splottchy”. Allow to dry, and two minutes later you will see some very cool results when they dry! [:D][8D][tup] (If you use 70% alcohol, they dry even faster). The key is to use vertical strokes, as you want to simulate the effects of rain—everything runs downward! After the first coating has dried, you can determine if you want more weathering. Repeat the above steps by alternating between the wash colors.

If satisfied with the truck sideframes,

3

Thanks Antonio
I’m going with brushes and hopefully I’ll get the time to try it this weekend

4

Uh yeah, what he says…[;)][#ditto]

I was going to try and give my 2 cents in, but he covered te whole bill and got the tip.

Johnk