Many trains spend years out in the elements, are subjected to harsh weather conditions and even abuse- almost all real trains show signs of aging. Using simple weathering techniques you too can achieve realistic results, representing the long and hard service life of your model empire.
Weathering can take many forms including rust, grime, patched paint, faded letters to name just a few.
There are almost as many ways to recreate the ravages of time and nature. Weathering can be intimidating, but it is not impossible. With practice, you’ll be adding years to your roster in no time.
The techniques described here can be used individually or combined to create an endless variety of weathering patterns.
1. Weathering With Chalks
This simple technique is great for beginners as the entire process can be easily reversed with a wet cloth.
Read this Article on how you too can apply these techniques
2. Alcohol Pens
Easy to use as a marker, excellent results and completely reversible!
These are great for your first weathering project, or even to touch up your old weathering projects.
Read this Article on how to use Alcohol Pens for great weathering effects
3. Dry brushing
This simple technique uses a minimal amount of paint to create realistic streaks and scratches.
Chalk sticks rubbed directly on car sides can help create rust spots and streaks
4. Realistic Rust Patches
Use oil paints and makeup sponges – yes makeup sponges – to create amazingly real rust spots.
Read this Article on creating realistic Rust Patches – another technique
5. Peeling / Fading Lettering
Create the look of peeling lettering with a little decal setting solution and an eraser. With a little more time and rubbing, you can remove the lettering all together.
Read this Article on creating “Peeling” and “fading” lettering
6. Acrylic Wash
A simple watercolor wash can tone down the paint and make the details pop.
When nearly dry, the wash is wiped off the car with a paper towel.
The finished wash highlights details and provides an overall tone to the car
Read this Article on applying a weathering wash to great effect
7. Fading Paint with an Airbrush
Make a car look like it’s been out in the sun for a few years. This basic airbrush technique is an easy introduction to weathering with this important tool.
The reporting marks, road number and weight data are all applied with separate decals.
Here’s and Article on how to use an airbrush to get a “faded” look
8. Paint-outs
Railroads often paint-out certain sections of a car as opposed to repainting the entire thing.
These patches may be the result of new owners, maintenance, or just to counter excessive weathering.
Every car you do will be unique.
Article on how to do a “paint-out”
9. Paint Over-spray on Boxcar Roofs
Railroads don’t paint the roofs of their boxcars nearly as often as modelers.
Paint over spray from the sides is often seen around the edges however.
10. Weathering Decals
Age your decals prior to putting them on a model to create faded signs and lettering.
Read this Article on how to weather decals for a more realistic look
The faded decals are applied to the walls and carefully worked into the contours of the siding.
This makes them appear to have been painted on the walls and weathered over the years.
11. Distressing Freight Car Sides
Use a soldering gun and screwdriver to add some distress to your models.
Dented and bulging sides are just one part of the overall look on this gondola. The car was finished with oil paints, acrylics and chalks to represent a very well-used car.
Read this Article on how to dent and Distress your models
Warning – this is an easy but advanced technique – non – reversible!
In conclusion:
Proper weathering doesn’t obscure details, it enhances them. An airbrush is the easiest way to reproduce the often-subtle weathering effects found on the prototype.
Original Article credit: Ryan Kunkle