I have a large collection of diesel locos that I would like to start finding a way to darken the recessed plastic screens. But I’m not happy with the brushed-on diluted india ink method I’ve used in the past.
Can anyone out there advise methods and substances that leave a uniform and easy darkening of these filter screens on the top and sides of the diesels?
Thx.
The Eastern Oregon Desert
Hi.
You might try flat black paint and then wipe off the high grid portion. that’s what I did.
Good luck.
Lee
I like to mask off the areas around the screens/grilles and airbrush a very diluted mix of dark gray onto them. Once this has dries for a few minutes, I carefully remove the gray from the projecting details using a very small bristle brush dipped in thinner, working the bristles almost parallel to the model’s surface so they don’t touch anything but the very top edges. This step adds depth by leaving darker coloration in the recessed areas only. I agree that applying a wash of something like India ink leaves a lot to be desired.
“Yankee” suggests engine black; I found that a thinned Floquil Oily Black works better in representing the “gunk” layer that builds up on the screens.
I don’t have an extensive diesel collection, but have used this on models of D&H Diesels that I have from Athearn, Atlas, and others.
Bill
A mix of dulcoat with a couple of drops of your favorite ‘black’, re apply until satisfied.
A black wash as said.
Personnaly, I prefer to used artist black oil paint thinned with mineral spirit for this purpose. Gives more control and time to work the effect.
Matt
Rather than a wash, I suggest brushing on dark powder. A charcoal pencil or weathering chalks might do the trick. Even fireplace ash, if carefully screened, can effectively darken a screen. You might want to fix it in place with dullcoat or oher fixitive.
Dave Nelson