Weathering powders on steam loco drivers

[mike_lawyer]

Has anyone used weathering powders for steam loco drivers?  I have used an airbrush for weathering, but am curious about the results of using weathering powders.  Also, do you have to "seal" the powder with some spray so that it does not wear off over time?

[mmagliaro]

I have used weathering powders on the loco boiler and tender, with great results.  In fact, that is now my
preferred method of weathering steam locos.  I have used airbrush misting (like I did on the I-1) and I really liked it.
But powders are easier.  I have not found that I have to seal them.  I am using the Doc O'Brien's from Micro-Mark,
but I have also used some Bragdon, and they are about the same.   Those colors really dig in when you brush them
in.  I don't see any problem with them wearing off from handling.

I've brushed some on the driver faces as well.  I think it does a good job, although I don't know how well that will hold up.
I prefer to just use some grimy black and dry-brush it.

This engine was done all with powders, but I used some sort of weathered black paint on the drivers.

[Bendtracker1]

....Also, do you have to "seal" the powder with some spray so that it does not wear off over time?

It probably wouldn't hurt to seal them with a shot of Dullcoat or Model Masters Lusterless Flat.
The powders can be rubbed off, it will depend on the handling that they receive over time and the type of paint you used, flat or a gloass finish.  It's best to give your model a shot of DC or MM LF before applying the powders, this will give the surface some tooth so the powders have something to stick too other than just the painted surface.

[atsf_arizona]

Mike,

You may also want to consider NeoLube:

http://www.micromark.com/neolube-2-fl-oz,8383.html

 

While not real inexpensive, it has the attribute that it is lubricating / friction reduction / electricity conducting.

Most importantly, because of these properties, it can also be painted on the valve gear,  so that the whole steam loco drive train looks appropriately grimy.

Here's a couple of shots:





It's worked well for me, especially for this application.  Just a thought.