Painting track for "Stand Off Scale"

[taholmes160]

HI Folks:

IM looking for suggestions of what colors to use for painting track for what some call 3 foot scale -- as in it looks good at 3 feet distance -- I want it to look "Good" but not take hours on each section of track. This railroad is designed for operation, and i want it to look decent but im not trying to win any awards for my artistry

Any input or suggestions or links to sites or threads is really REALLY appreciated

TIM
San Luis and Rio Grande

[Dave V]

This stuff.  Rust-oleum "Earth Brown" camouflage paint.  It's a dead flat and it's a perfect track color:

[taholmes160]

HI Dave:

Thats exactly what I used -- works great as a base, now I am hoping to take the next couple steps to make it look better -- any suggestions?

[ednadolski]

I try to let that stuff cure out in the sun for a bit, cuz it can stink for a long time.

Ed

[taholmes160]

Yup its sitting outside right now -- I have to work tomorrow and thursday, so it will probably be friday till I get back to it

TIM

[Dave V]

HI Dave:

Thats exactly what I used -- works great as a base, now I am hoping to take the next couple steps to make it look better -- any suggestions?

I like to go back and paint each individual tie a slightly different shade of gray or tan, but I'm usually simulated untreated ties (whch is why I start with a weathered wood spray paint...it's grayer).  If you want something a little faster, consider drybrushing the ties with a grayish-tan model paint.

[taholmes160]

Dave-- excellent suggestion -- thanks, that should work nicely

TIM

[Ed Kapuscinski]

My personal technique is using those plastic bottle craft paints.
I like umbers. Burnt and raw depending on the effect you're going for.

I just sploosh it on and then use a brush to spread it around.

I like it because it doesn't require taking the track outside or off the layout.

[SAH]

After the brown coat I dusted the track with a tan spray.  I liked how it turned out but was modeling yard tracks not a mainline.  The link to colors and photos can be found here:
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=40799.msg515117#msg515117
The tan in the Rustoleum camo line should work fine.

[DKS]

OK, just to pile on the techniques... I begin by spraying or brushing the track with Roof Brown, or anything similar.

Then I prepare two washes: India ink, and a pale grey.

I quickly swipe random individual ties with the India ink wash to darken ties, and then do the same with the pale grey wash to lighten them. I also vary how much wash I apply to get more variations. The result is a wide variety of tie coloration with minimal effort.

[Santa Fe Guy]

On my HOn3 layout I use ME pre weathered track and attack the ties with about 5 colours.
Light Tan, Buff, Light and Dark Grey and Off White and in some areas a blend of whatever is on the brush for variation.
In some areas I will do a creosote colour to show a new tie has been added.
Track will sometimes get a light brushing of Valejo Light Rust and in other Areas Tamiya Dark Iron.
Rod.

[CBQ Fan]

So silly question I suppose. Are you using the rattle can to spray over the laid track and then cleaning off the top of the rails?

[DKS]

So silly question I suppose. Are you using the rattle can to spray over the laid track and then cleaning off the top of the rails?

Me? Yes. It's very easy to strip paint off of rail.

[CBQ Fan]

Me? Yes. It's very easy to strip paint off of rail.

Interesting idea.  I wonder how that would work in an enclosed room in the basement. Nice thing is since my layout is upside down all the fumes will settle away from the top of the layout. 😂

[DKS]

Interesting idea.  I wonder how that would work in an enclosed room in the basement. Nice thing is since my layout is upside down all the fumes will settle away from the top of the layout. 😂

Surely you have a window somewhere? Or a dryer vent you can tap into for exhaust? The alternative is to brush on the paint--that's what I do nowadays.