hello
i am just getting started on a layout and i am wondering, what would i use to wheather rail, and what is the most realistic way to weather buildings
thanks
andrew
Hello to you … and hey, we all started somewhere and looking back at slides of my old layouts, well don’t get discouraged and by the way taking photos of your progress is areally good way to see what you can do to improve. I’ve been working in HO for about ten years now and believe me it’s an on-going and sometimes steep learning curve.
I have used acrylic paints ( ref: my article and replies on weathering and paints, among others ) these are inexpensive, they do a nice job of matching many colors and work well on all surfaces. I use them on military and aircraft models ( my other hobby ) and they stick well to metal, your tracks will take on a rusty look of you use rust colored paint and either and airbrush or paintbrush.
You will find that buildings weather nicely using the same method, apply the base-colors and then go over them when they dry and lightly brush on another color, a shade lighter and this will bring out the highlights of the building. There are many trick to the weathering of any model and it depends upon your wants of how much.
Acrylic paints mix with water and clean up nicely, also you can use a hair dryer set on LOW heat to sort of bake on the paints onto structures…again trial and error taught me much, but now I have my wife kind of critique my layout in a good way and it helps.
Best of luck and I hope this gives you a few ideas and don’t worry about getting the layout all complete at once, it just won’t happen, so take your time and enjoy what you have in front of you for the day’s work.
Have fun, it’s only a hobby 