I currently have all my track laid (Walthers Code 83) and am considering using Micro Engineering Track Weathering solution to weather the rail. Has anyone used this product and what are your thoughts?
I’ve used it before, but only to treat before laying it. It your roadbed will hold up to the moisture of ballasting, you should be OK on that account.
It seemed to take a long time to really change color or maybe the bottle was on the shelf too long in my shop. Results were not nearly so pleasing or easy as buying the weathered ME track, so I went with that.
In your situation, I’d think about painting. There are several airbrush methods, but there are also the markers and some work OK. Use several dustings of spray paint over things once the rails are done to weather it down and blend and it will look OK…
It takes many applications to truly darken the sides of the rail and my experience is somewhat like Mike’s (above), and that is, it does not really match or replicate the look of the Micro Engineering pre weathered rail. It is more greenish than a true chemical blackener as some manufacturers used on brass locomotives (frames and drivers) years back. And one reason for that is that I suspect almost every make of nickle-silver rail differs in the mix of alloys and thus reacts differently to the patina
That is not to say it has no value however. I use it on turnouts where paint can create electrical issues. Again it needs repeated applications to truly darken the metal. I suspect there are chemicals with identical properties that can be purchased – somewhere – for less in larger quantities. But there is a value to convenience.
Dave Nelson
I’ve considered painting but I’m attempting to explore other options and this one seemed rather easy. I appreciate the reply.
I have tried the stuff too. Less hassle to paint.
I’m currently using the Woodland Scenics track markers for the first time. (Using the rust color on Walthers code 83) It’s kind of difficult to get it to apply evenly, especially when the marker head keeps hitting the tie spikes
However the tie color is spot on and easy to apply. I find spray painting/air brushing is a lot quicker.
I’ll post a photo of my layout when I’m done.
I myself am using the ME weathered track, and I find I don’t like the “black” color of the rail, causing me to probably have to go back and re-paint everything with railroad tie brown or rust paint. Rust looks more prototypical than black imo…
I use a mixture of Rustoleum (75% rusty metal primer, 25% flat black) diluted with thinner). I use a 1" brush and brush both sides of each rail and ties. Of course I paint the track before I ballast the track. What I like most about it is because it is a flat paint it takes the glossy look away from the ties (Flex track).
I’m not too careful around turnouts since I hard wire the points so I’m not worried about losing electriczl contact. if you don’t hard wire your turnout points you need to be careful not to foul the contacts. The paint dries fairly fast so do a little at a time and have a rag dampeded with thinner to clean the top of the rails ready. Do about three feet at a time. Also after painting a turnout, come back after a few minutes and throw the switch to be sure it is not painted to the rails. Even though it might stick some, it is easy to break the points loose.
Works great for me.