what is everyone’s opinion on weathering track? Is it really that necessary? I asked this, cuz I just got back from a train show and most of the layouts that were there, did not have their track weathered?
So what do you htink?
Mike[xx(]
I’m of two minds on this, but only because my brown WS ballast makes it LOOK rusted by way of reflection. On places where I’ve used real sand ballast, it looks like nickel steel. As for weathering the ballast and ties with washes, I think I might try it just to see what happens.
So, my answer would be that if you want to experiment with a lot of detailing, why not give it a try?
It depends on what YOU like. Other people’s opinions on what’s on your model railroad should net matter very much. Having said that, weathering track does make it more realistic. Real railroad track isn’t shiny. I’ve weathered the track on my HO scale modules because I take a lot of photos of my models and scenes, and the lights I use make the rails look even more unrealistic if they are left unpainted.
Bob Boudreau
Mike,
It’s a matter of opinion. I think track looks better (more natural) if it has some weathering done on it. OLD backwood scenes look great with a heavy weathering. And I will also say it depends on the type of track. If it is mainline or old sidings to. Old Atlas brass track looks nothing like real track. And Shinohara with Nickel Silvers rails looks a lot more like real track. Just give the ties some dry brush weathering and you are set. Let me tell you that really weathered track is very simple to do. Just practice on a few old pcs and you will get good results fast.
Has anyone else noticed that the gauge of weathered track looks wider than shiny new track? I think the rail looks smaller, too. All in all, weathered track has always looked a lot more realistic to me.
Chuck
Why beat around the bush, of course it looks better weathered, its all up to the owner of course, but I still like my railroad to look a little bit more like the real world, so I weather my track, for those who don’t weather their track, thats fine, just don’t expect your layout to get featured in a magazine article, if you take care of minor details, and track is a detail, minor as it is, if you go to a lot of trouble to make everything around the track look believable, and don’t weather the track, then it takes away from the scene and it looks like the toy that it really is…[xx(][xx(][xx(]
Hey send me a blank VCR tape. I will tape the segment on exactly how George Sellios weathers his track, structures. It so simple.
I agree with the realistic looks… I ahve some track laid now
guess I am looking for a quick, easy affective way…
My easy way to weather track and also color your Code 100 Atlas track is simple. All you have to do is buy rail brown spray paint for the hObby Shop. It is like $4 a can. Then after youy lay the track, nail it, and AFTER you solder it if you choose to. You spray the whole track and do it in three to four foot sections at a time. After you spray it. Grab a piece of a extracting razor blade that snap off by sections. Take a piece of paper towel and wrap it around the blade. The blade is so when you clean the top of the rail your paper towel will not also remove the spray paint from the ties. Then you use it on the flat end and go along the rail top and the paper towel will clean up the rail brown from the top of the rail. You must do this before it dries or it will be hell to clean off then. After its all done about 30 minutes later go along the top with a brite boy for the finishing shine as on real rail track. It will look great, Shiny on the top and rusted looking on the sides. Give it a try and I am sure you will like it.
I have a quick-and-easy track weathering/ballasting method on my website. Go to my site at www.westernallegheny.com then scroll down and click on the railroading section, then on model railroading. You’ll see a page titled “An illustrated guide to ballasting track – yes, it IS easy to do!”
Plus, I’d like to get someone’s opinion on it as well. 
Ray out
Hey Thanks Ray, sounds pretty simple… but think I may use a spray can for the paint…
I knew about the idea with the WD40, that makes cleaning a whole lot easier…
thanks again
Mike
Of course its nessesary. Track is a model too. Weather it accordingly.
First I clean the entire rails with rubbing alcohol (paint adheres better to clean surfaces). Then I coat the rail head with baby oil to make them easier to clean after painting. Fire up the young airbrush and spray the track with a cheap acrylic paint blend (burnt sienna mixed with paynes gray or whatever). Then come in with an alcohol soaked q-tip and wipe the rail top. The end.
I have noticed that in person and especially during an operating session I don’t care if the track is green and purple, the operation is the fun thing. For photography, however, the weathered track looks much better and adds to rather that detracts from the model scene that was photographed.
The way I presented is very very simple. No need to coat with oil. All you do is apray and while it is wet go over it with the paper towel and razor inside. You will get a perfect look.
Oil is use when any thing comes in contact with the rail. White glue when ballasting or paint while weathering. That makes it much easier to clean afterwards . Worth the little extra effort, I say.
paint the rails rust and clean them when dry.
Ray,
Here is a more direct link to make finding your ballasting methods’ page easier …