My first attempt at weathering using oil paints.....

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

thoughts?

opinions?

ideas?

ways to improve??

Thanks

Gordon

2

Not bad. You have successfully killed the plastic gloss that makes a good model look like a toy. You have some rust spots and the rain has washed the rust down the side of the car. It looks like a modern car, in good condition, but with enough weathering to make it look as if it had been out of doors for a few years. You could weather it more heavily, many do, but it’s effective as is.

One suggestion, next time you photograph it, make a plain background. The shiny roof of the autorack behind it makes it hard to see where one car leaves off and the other begins.

Overall, a decent weathering job.

3

It’s definitely far more subtle than my first oil weathering attempt recently! I’ll give you a tip I read online somewhere to help with the slight wiggle in your rust stains. Try putting a small dot of oil paint on the car, letting it dry a bit, and then dabbing turpentine/turpenoid (the latter doesn’t smell) above the dot. As it runs down, it should create a straighter or more natural stain. I haven’t been able to try it myself, since most of my things are packed due to an upcoming move.

4

Very nice. I like the subtle approach. I would however, if it were mine, fade the lettering juuuust a touch, or if you already have ( it looks like you very well may have a bit) , just a touch more. Not heavily faded, but just take the boldness out of the black. Still looks good as it is though.

5

Nice! I would only make the TOPS of the rust stains a bit darker than the bottom. Actually, after enlarging your photo it looks like some are - I think they all should be. Other than that, better than my first try, by far!

6

Gordon,I tryed oils and prefer water based paints. Artist water based paints are less forgiving and only require a little water on the brush and surface. The artist tube paints are not cheap,about 9 bucks US.I use the tube paints for rust effects and Polly scale paints for a larger surfaces. I use water based pencils (prismacolor)for sharp Horizontal rust streaks,like the Southern Pacific car above. Be sure to use a Photo of the said car when weathering.Dave