It has been probably 10 years since I last weathered a freight car. With no layout to speak of right now I thought it was time to give it another try. And so, armed with "The Art of Weathering", Rich Yourstone NSR J/A 2004 I went to it. Rich's techniques are similar to what I had done in the past except for the grime fading step. I purchased the acrylics some time ago after reading about and seeing some examples here. Up to now I've only used them to paint backdrops.
The first attempt is at the right. I didn't fade with the airbrush (step one after a flat finish, which I did apply) prior to the grime wash. A pretty mediocre job. The left version got the full treatment but with a light touch. This would have been an almost new car in my era.
The NYC car has no airbrush fade but does have a heavy grime wash. The BeanO car was supposed to be heavily rusted and weathered. It looks like I pulled up short on that account. I'm using chalk as the last step per Rich's suggestion, to tie it all together.
Both cars with a full treatment. Tan chalk on the ATSF to try for the sun beaten SW effect. White around the P&LE doors to simulate a dusty load? Bags of cement or lime perhaps?
I think I need to be far more aggressive with hoppers.
Door scrapes and fading paint on the PM guy. Perhaps more care should be taken with rust applications. Or maybe go with reckless abandoned?
I find it's tough to do a good job with tank cars. Any hints from the
s ?
A before and after to remind myself why I do this. Obviously I'm going for the fleet effect and want to work quickly as opposed to spending hours on an individual work of art. I'm headed in the right direction but need lots more practice I'm afraid.
Thanks for looking.
Steve
