Hi Guys,
I wrote the article below in response to another post on “couplers”. I decided to start another post so others who didn’t read the previous post on couplers could share in this information and I’ve added additional detail.
I’ve read a lot of articles on weathering rolling stock and engines and this past spring and summer, I tried them ALL. What I’m about to describe below is what I’ve found to be a very good method where the results are pleasing to me. I should tell you that I spent over $500.00 on an airbrush, compressor and supplies and have used them to weather also but I like the chalk method below better, especially for “lightly” weathering. I do use the airbrush for heavier weathering and other painting projects. Weathering with chalk is very quick and easy to apply and looks very “real”. I think it’s also easier to control…in other words, a little at a time until the overall effect is produced.
For rolling stock, I first remove the wheelsets and place a small drop of Alene’s Tacky Glue in the journals (it’s a thick white glue available in craft stores). The glue will keep spray paint from getting into the journals (the cone-shaped place where the ends of the axles go into the side of the truck). Then I spray the whole car with Krylon’s clear matte finish which I bought at Wal-Mart for around a $1.50 for a 12 ounce can (personally, I like it better than other matte finishes). By the way, you don’t have to wait for the Alene’s Tacky Glue to dry before you spray the cars with the matte finish. Be sure to hold the can away from the car as the directions on the can state and spray left and right beyond the car so you don’t stop on any one section and get too much in one spot…it will accumulate and run down the car if you do.
I let the car dry for a couple of days. Then I use Bragdon Enterprises’ weathering chalk, which is great. Go to www.bragdonent.com.
I use a large soft flat brush for large areas of the cars and short stiff