Since my cancer operation left me breathing thru my trachea i’m not able to use an air brush
so i guess i’m limited to chalks
Anyone have any Tips ?
There is ONE concept in weathering only: M O D E R A T I O N Locomotives do not look like they are rusted buckets of iron and steel heading for the breakup yard nor are they portrayed as builders photos that look like 45 guys used simonize on them, moderation will make them look very natural (prototypical)
Chalks should work for you but let me ask a personal question. Are you able to wear some form of paint mask? Chalks are dusty and may be a problem.
Does anyone feel it is necessary to disassemble a steam loco to weather it?
tatans summed it up very nicely.
In that vein, I would only add that when you’re applying weathering to anything, try to err on the side of doing “not enough”, rather than “too much”. When you come back later for a second look, fixing the “not enough” is much easier!
Best wishes for your recovery and well-being.
Well Bruce Most masks are designed for your nose but i breathe thru a hole at the base of my neck
Best i’ve been able to do is use a paper towel stuffed in my shirt collar
but the mist from an air brush is super fine
i can use the paper towel trick with a paint can since the paint is so much thicker
Weathering powders, such as those made by Bragdon and others, are better. They are sticky and can be rubbed on with a finger-tip. Minimal dust.
Terry, I advise you to experiment with acrylic paint washes. The craft paints from Wal Mart are ideal. Add one dollop of Burnt Umber and one of Black, throw in about half a liter of water and mix thoroughly. Dip a good sized paint brush into the wash and coat the bottom half of an old boxcar. Wick the pooled stuff that runs down to the lowest edgest with a paper towel. Let it dry. See what that looks like. I have even used just a thin white wash with white acrylics. I used them to weather my H-8 2-6-6-6.
Crandell
Yea it’s that white dusted look that i like best so u used acrylic paint for that ?
I have some old DC locos to practice on that are shelf Queens
Use alcohol with the powders to get a different look, dip your brush in the powder, then the alcohol, and vice verse will give you different effects. Play with it on your test models and I think you will find powders most enjoyable over any other medium, simply because it leaves that 'gritty" look, is easy to do, and can be removed.
For a black steamer, start using the black powder and cover everything, this will remove that plastic shine, then go to using the dirt and rust colors.
Bright shiny and new.
After a very light dusting of black and “dust” colored chalks.
Yes, the cheap small plastic bottles for $0.99, or used to be, at the Wal Mart craft section. White paint, one squeezed dollop in at least half a liter of water, maybe more. Then just brush on two or three layers of it until it begins to look realistic. That’s the way it worked out for my Allegheny below.
Crandell
Terry, and you may have done this already, have you looked at any laryngectomy supplies, specifically the foam filters for trachs? If you have, my apologies. One thing I would do however, is to get some 4X4 gauze bandages, moisten one, not wet enough so you can’t breathe, and place it over the stoma. This will capture any dust from the chalks or weathering powders that may get into the air and possibly the trach.
Yes i did but the first time you cough fluid from your lungs they become worthless
normal people swallow the fluid just a little at a time but neck breathers cant cause the 2 pipes are seperate
the skin colored ones i like Medicare doesn’t pay for because they are an " Elective"
what you discribe is what i do with the paper towel
Build or buy a paint booth. A paint booth will keep all dust away whether you use chalks or an airbrush. You can build one for less than 50 bucks. I have some plans if you’re interested.
I used the $.99 acrylics from Walmart and Hobby Lobby with a brush and make-up sponges to weather this Big Boy. It was intentionally made to look like is ready for the scrap yard, but you get the idea of what you can do without an air brush or powders/chalks. I have come to really like the effects you can get with the small wedge shaped foam makeup sponges. I did spray it with DullCoat from a spray can though but it wasn’t necessary. I think once you try it you will be amazed at the finish you can get; just do it gradually and with almost no paint on the sponge.
-Bob
It took a lot of courage, but I started dry brushing my locomotives after basic weathering. For steam I use lettering grey. What a difference, the detail suddenly pops!
http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc372/mffisher/Mikado-1.jpg
Not sure why the Photobucket image isn’t loading, second try.
http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc372/mffisher/Mikado-1.jpg
Last shot.
I’m afraid to weather my locomotive fleet…but someday I will get the guts. Threads like this help a lot. 