CSX Cement Hopper in ex-Chessie paint

[CSX_road_slug]

Here's my first contribution for this sub-forum: a Front Range ACF 2-bay covered hopper that originally was in C&EI paint. I wanted to add it to my fleet of CSXT 2-bays for a cement plant I'm putting on my layout, and I've always been fascinated by the rust-streaked Chessie 'patched' hopper cars.

Even though this car lacks a few features of the prototype (such as the overhanging ends on the roofwalk), I figured 95% of people wouldn't notice or care anyhow.  And I don't intend to sell it on ebay either.

I liked the subtle 'masked' effect where the patched CSX road markings were applied:
http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=485064

And here is the model.  It wasn't until after I snapped the photos that I discovered a few spots that I missed, especially on the ends...oh well!  :-[

[John]

I think you captured the overall look very well .. that looks like most of the Chessie ACFs I see here in Bawlmer all the time ..

[wm3798]

Ken,
I like the chalk effect on the logo.  Heck, a few more rubs and you could take it off completely!
(But seriously folks, nice work...)
How did you layer on the grime?
Lee

[CSX_road_slug]

Thanks guys for the kind feedback!  ;D

Lee, the 'rust' came from using Bragdon powders.  First I painted the body and applied a layer of glosscote for the decals.  Once the decals were fully Micro-Setted and completely dried out, I airbrushed a thin layer of PollyScale acrylic Flat Finish; this helps the rust powder 'cling' to the coated surface when I brush it on.

For the vertical rust streaks, I applied lines of the darkest-colored rust powder, then carefully 'smeared' over them with my finger - this kept the line edges soft and avoided the brushed-on look.  The heavily-rusted areas on the roof were done by rubbing rust powder onto the surface with a sponge-brush, then blowing off the excess.

After this, I mixed a very thin [10 parts 'wet' water, 1 part reefer gray] solution and airbrushed this on to fade the darker lettering & logos.  Once that dried, I dusted the bottom areas of yellow with dark gray 'grunge' powder.  Then I applied another coat of PollyScale Flat to seal everything.   

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Nice stuff man!

[railbuilderdave]

Looking good Ken!!!  That's better then the first one I did.
Dave

[pfs]

Looks good.

You may want to add some additional color/tone to the rust.

[CSX_road_slug]

Thanks again guys!

Ed - were you the yardmaster at Lee's op session this past Saturday?  If so, it was a pleasure to meet ya!

... that looks like most of the Chessie ACFs I see here in Bawlmer all the time ..

John, what side of Bawl'mer are you on - West or East?  Ever hang out at St Denis?

Looks good.  You may want to add some additional color/tone to the rust.

I'll experiment with it some more.  The 500watt light I used for staging the photo, may have de-emphasized some of the more subtle rust shades.  I was trying to err on the side of 'too little' rather than excessive.

[John]

John, what side of Bawl'mer are you on - West or East?  Ever hang out at St Denis?

On occasion .. I am south of the airport near arundel mills

[CSX_road_slug]

On occasion .. I am south of the airport near arundel mills

Kewl! I drive by that area on Rt100 about once or twice a month.  I bought my daughter's laptop from the BestBuy there. 

[Allentown Hump]

I really like that dirt border around the CSXT reporting marks...

[Ed Kapuscinski]

And yep, I'm the Ed of Yardmaster fame...

[CSX_road_slug]

I really like that dirt border around the CSXT reporting marks...

A-Town, those 'border' lines were an accident.  I tried to get rid of them when first I saw them, but didn't have much success;  I was afraid I would do more harm than good if I kept going.

What I had really hoped to achieve was for the rectangular background surrounding the reporting marks to have a slightly more 'orange' tint, as shown in the prototype closeup below:



...but some of the powder managed to get itself lodged-in around the decal border in spite of my efforts. :