Looking for tips from the guru's on modern reefer...

[lashedup]

So I have a bunch of these that I'd like to weather up. Graffitti is pretty straight forward but I'm looking for ideas on how to tackle the overall reddish/brown buildup on the car. Some type of wash makes sense and I was wondering what would you guys think would be an option. I have AIM powders, gauche, so oils and craft paints on hand but wanted some ideas before I start in. I'm also going to have to do a slew of these and had the thought that if I could assembly line the base coloring process a bit it would help.

Thanks!

-jamie

Prototype photo for reference:

[Scottl]

I'm glad you put a picture into clarify that subject heading.... 

[wazzou]

I'd try Panama Red. 

[lashedup]

Hey, if it helps!   

[GaryHinshaw]

The closest thing I've done to this kind of weathering is with some white highway trailers which exhibit a similar weathering pattern. I think I'll take a similar approach with my reefers when I get around to it.  First, here's a few before & after samples:







Most of the effect was achieved with Bragdon powders, and the dominant treatment was to get a broad, flat soft brush, lay on a tiny ridge of powder near the base of the trailer, then brush up.  Start with a light touch on the brush and increase the vigor with subsequent coats if you want a heavier treatment.  Before you do that you should apply a bit of a flat coat, and any washes you want.  I'd go with a very fine thin grime wash along the welds to bring them out a bit, then go with the powders.  It can also be effective to streak the powder downward a bit with a *very* slightly damp brush, to emulate rain streaks.

Keep us posted on your results.

-Gary

P.S.Someone holding a gun to your head to model modern? 

[lashedup]

Thanks Gary! Those trailers look great and the grime looks just right which is perfect. What did you use for a grime wash?

No gun. I have weaknesses when it comes to trains in general and have more stuff in my collection than I probably should.

I'll pull it with a couple of these FVM GEVO's that I'm working on weathering up:



- jamie

[GaryHinshaw]

The grime washes are straight out of Rich Yourstone's weathering article in NSR: acrylic tube paints in window washer fluid.  My stock color is raw umber with some black and/or white mixed in as appropriate.  But it's critical to have a matte surface for these washes, otherwise they puddle.  For the trailers, most of what you see is the Bragdon powder treatment.  Practice on an old white reefer or trailer first.

RE modern: you've been holding out on us - that GEVO looks great! Especially with your scenery and photography.   You're achieving the look I strive for in about 75% of my weathering jobs: you want to have to look twice to tell it's been weathered at all, but that when you see it next to a stock model it's obvious.  (The other 25% should be beaten to hell, but I'm less capable at that.)  The under-frame and intake grills on your GEVO are especially nice.

Can't wait to see a shot with a bunch of tagged reefers!

Cheers,
Gary

[lashedup]

Thanks Gary. Since this was a GEVO that is relatively new I didn't go too crazy with it. I did however discover that at my desk where I do most of my model work there are a lot of lights in a room with fluorescent lighting - it's bright. I took it out to the layout and under those lights the weathering was too dark. So I back pedaled a bit and weathered it under the layout lighting which is more typical of what we get at shows and it looks much better. I have to weather the other unit, but I'm treating it as a newer unit with less grime and wear.

[James Costello]

Jamie, that looks so sweet.

RE: Weathering the UP GEVOs, just make sure the red sill striped units are dirtier than the yellow sill units and you'll be right 

[Sokramiketes]

Chalk is great, and safe, but slow.  So if the goal is streamlining a fleet of these and airbrush is still the best tool for an overall fade coat.

Mix up the color you want to use, then mix it into your favorite clear coat.  This will allow you to paint it on in thin layers without worrying about droplet size out of the airbrush as would be the case with trying to "mist" on straight paint.   

Don't forget to mix up the layers, some with fade over the graffitti, others with bright fresh graffitti.

[unittrain]

Excellent picture man that looks so real.

[Smike]

Here is some shots of what I did. I used some light tan chalk (lightly dusted from the bottom up with a wide fan brush on the sides) Then dragged a sponge with Microsol from the top down to streak it. Also used a micro wash in the door area. I felt like I hammered that a bit to much, would have liked it to be less punchy. I may hit it will some light dirt color paint from the spray gun on the bottom half to finish it off.

(Note the pink hue in the photos is from the color balance of the camera being off, didn't spend the time trying to fix)

[nscalemike]

I just read this thread and I'd say you nailed it!   Nice looking modern reefer!

And Gary,  your trailers look like they are straight off the passing interstate and waiting for the next load!  Wow, nice work to both of you!

Mike