This article demonstrates what you can do to weather your models without an airbrush. I experimented with techniques that use thin dark colors to create shadows combined with highlights to accentuate details in the model. I have used the highlighting techniques to paint miniature figures as well as military models. After seeing the results by other modelers on the internet using the wash and highlights I tried applying the techniques on model railroad themed equipment. I found the results interesting. Let's take a look step by step on how I weathered the Chessie hopper to show some age.
Step 1 - The Model
This model is an older Walthers covered hopper kit. I built it when I was a lot younger and I did not add any details. The kit was built basically out of the box. I had some problems with the older Walthers kit trucks falling appart and derailing so I replaced them with Athearn side frames and Intermountain wheels. Since the upgrade the car has run with no problems at all.
Step 2 - The Prototype
This model looks like a HC-26 covered hopper as decorated for the Chessie System. I loked the car up in the Chessie Color Guide to Freight Equipment and the model is an representation but not super accurate. The Athearn 100 ton trucks added to the model look close to the prototype and I am guessing that 36" wheels are appropriate when compared to the photo. If you are extremely concerned about prototype fidelity you will want to do additional homework.
Step 3 - Initial Treatment
Paint and Supplies | |||||
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This is a wash of Polly Scale Signal Yellow. I selected this color because it is close to the original color of the car. This selection does not have to be exact, just close to the base color of the car. Throughout this exercise we will build shading to accent detail off the base color of the car. For the dark wash, I used a very dark brown color (Polly S Fantasy Ogre Dk. Brown) because I had it handy. You can replace the Dk. Brown with Polly Scale Black or Grimy Black.
Use the following recipe;
Signal Yellow - 9 drops (parts)
Ogre Dark Brown - 3 drops (parts)
Airbrush Thinner - 30 to 40 drops (parts)
Using a 1/4" flat edged brush use downward strokes on the model to apply the wash. I also used a q-tip to remove the wash between the panels on the model.
Step 4 - First Highlight
Let the car with the dark wash dry overnight. Highlight with the basic yellow color straight from the bottle. To apply the highlight dip the edge of the brush into the paint and then remove most of the paint (80%) on a paper towel. Using a very light touch wisk the brush across the model. I use a downward motion when applying the highlight. The trick is to not have very much paint on the brush so you only apply paint on the rivets and panel ribs of the model.
Polly Scale Signal Yellow - Straight from the bottle
Step 5 - Second highlight
After you finish the first highlight mix the following color. Polly Scale Signal Yellow and Polly Scale Concrete mixed 50/50 on a plastic bag will work fine as a pallette. Very lightly highlight with the new color, you only want to touch the very tips of rivets. If you over do this final highlight your model will have a "frosted" look to it. Brush very lightly and the detail will really pop out of the model.
Polly Scale Signal Yellow - 4 drops (parts)
Polly Scale Concrete - 4 drops (parts)
Step 6 - Rust
Using the same technique as above mix up a rust color. I found that the Modelflex paints are excellent as advised by Jim Six in his online clinics. Mix the following recipe;
Modelflex Rail Brown - 4 drops (parts)
Modelflex Roof Brown - 4 drops (parts)
You can alter the mix from 50/50 to represent new or old rust on the car. New rust is more orange and brighter, mix in more Rail Brown. Older rust will be darker and to achieve this you would mix in more Roof Brown.
I dry brushed rust on the car sides gradually. I would start on a panel or roof section and work at it until the shade was just about right. I would then stop.
Step 7 - Trucks
The trucks are painted with a base coat of grimy black. Once dried I dry brushed on Polly Scale Railroad Tie Brown the trucks had instant improvement. I highlighted the journals with a little Modelflex Rail Brown to give them a lighter rusty look.
Polly Scale Railroad Tie Brown
Step 8 - Dullcote
Apply a layer of dullcote to protect the model when you are handling it. You may want to apply two coats if the model will travel frequently.
Conclusion
The dry brushing looks great but takes a little time. I think the effect is worth the effort. I spent two nights weathering this model spending about an hour each evening actually doing the work. Given the positive results I will use this technique in the future to really beat up and weather some of the cars in my fleet. Overall I think the effect may beat up cars too much and a healthy mix of lightly weathered cars mixed in with the heavy weathering can create a nice mix in your freight car fleet.
- Mark N. Goedert.
