Anyone know a good article or source on this subject? Thanks. Jim
I got several very good ideas for how such a bridge should look by carefully studying other modeler’s work in Model Railroader magazine, and also studying the UP/BNSF Amtrak rail line that runs by my house. I then attempted to achieve a similar look by experimenting with spray can primer paint (brown or gray), and earthtone chalks. Starting with a bridge painted flat black, a light uneven coat of either brown (which looks a lot like rust) or gray (which looks like faded base color) adds a lot of realism. Shave a little off a stick of chalk into a powder with a dowel or similar stick, and apply to areas on the bridge where rust or dirt would collect using an artist’s paintbrush. If you get too much chalk on the surface, it can easily be toned-down or washed off and start over. If too much primer is applied ( I’ve done this several times - you learn to hold the can well away from the work), just repaint the work flat black and start over. Make sure the paint is dry before using chalk on the surface. I’ve also used the gray primer as the main color on the bridge (think girder) with good results.
I’ve seen several recent articles in Model Railroader sharing weathering techniques. One thing I’ve learned is a little weathering can produce a dramatic result, so go easy at first. It’s fun taking something shiny-new and making it look more realistic.
Will.
When I recently installed my girder bridge, I spray painted it dark grey. Then I used weathering powders. I used rust, rail brown, and black.
