I am fairly new to weathering my Locomotive stock, I have done buildings and landscapes for ever, yet I fear the final dullcote or the pastels when weathering a locomotive, some books I have do not say to disassemble the loco shell before weathering but I wonder, should I? Especially when a final dullcote is always suggested with weathering, any advice from you experts?
Rudy: There are many articles in MR, as well as RMC about weathering engines as well as rolling stock. Since you asked the question I thought I would share my quick experiences and favorites. The first is chalk, one box of color, i.e. browns, greys, off whites blacks, etc, sand paper the color you want, leave the chalk in the sand paper, even mix colors then apply with a brush. Off white around the top from steam, rust on rivets, greys and rust down the sides and trucks. After brushing colors I will use a clear coat spray to fix the colors, It is quick and easy. You might cover the driver with a little masking tape, when you spray any thing on your engines, then hand paint and color the wheels for weathering. This is so you won’t interfere with electrical contacts. I have had no problems.
I have covered the trucks (wheel sets) with masking tape and painted engines without any problems. Good old Wal-Mart spray paints, flat or gloss finish then weathered with chalk or dry paint powder.
Another way is the use of crayola dry paint colors, you can but them at Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby in jars.
Like poster paint, I just give the engine or rolling a good dusting with black, greys, brown and spray a little water, fine mist on the colors, it will dry because it’s a water base paint.
Of course you can get really fancy with airbrushing, but I will put my chalk, poster powder paint, and hand brushing up against any weathering job and it will look just as good. Without the $150.00 air compressor.
Yard Master
WTRR
Robert, I have not found much for info on weathering steam locomotives. Any sources you would care to share? Been looking for one by Aggro on this forum but can’t find it.