WEATHERING ROLLING STOCK
This seems to be a topic that can spark quite a debate. Some modellers wouldn't use anything other than enamels, others use weathering powders to great effect while some are devoted to acrylics. Like many other aspects of modelling it is worth while to do plenty of research first - and experiment on an old model (don't start on your most expensive models!).
I decided to go for acrylics for a few reasons ....
- if you make a mistake it seems much easier to rectify it (as the paints are water based).
- this was my first attempt at weathering - if I made a pigs ear of it hopefully I would not have ruined any expensive locos.
I obtained several Railmatch colours - Frame Dirt, Brake Dust and Dark Rust. I had some other acrylic paints already to add any detailing.
Having liberally applied some paint to an old coach (cost £2.00) I felt I was ready to have a go.
Before embarking on the weathering I obtained as many photos as possible of 37429 (search on Google - Class 37 37429, Class 37 fotopic or Class 37 photos should work) - invaluable and helps to get the model looking as realistic as possible.
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I hope these stages - applied to a Bachmann 57 - will help ...
STEP 1 I decided to carefully tuck some tissue paper over the wheels and just above the bogies to protect any wires / internal workings.
Here is my only Class 57 almost ready for weathering. If you want to see the results visit my fotopic (see home page).
STEP 2 I used an airbrush with Frame Dirt to spray the bogies and lower body. I then gave both sides a very light spray to take off the very bright colours and to give the loco a more used look. The two ends were then airbrushed too. The ends were then detailed with a fine brush - photos will show that there are patches of dirt, on older locos - areas of rust etc - not just one uniform colour which you get with an airbrush.
STEP 3 I mixed some black with the tiniest amount of dark blue to spray the roof.
STEP 4 I then went lightly over the bogies with Brake Dust.
STEP 5 The final stage was to dry brush some detailing - streaks of dirt on the lower sides, some rust marks etc.
Here is one of my Class 37's (37429) - having had the treatment.
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