CHRIS NEVARD

Expert photographer and freelance model maker.

“Humbrol’s Metal Cote enamel gives a very satisfying, greasylooking finish, with great results being easily achievable”

DRY-BRUSHING

Dry‑brushing is a very useful technique, and well worth mastering. Basically, it involves a paintbrush coated with a tiny trace of your chosen paint. When the brush is applied lightly to the subject, just a hint of paint is deposited, especially over any raised detail. An easy way to prepare your brush is to dip it into the paint, then wipe most of it off onto a piece of kitchen tissue. When only a faint trace is left on the bristles, you’re ready to go. The technique can be used for all sorts of weathering, on rolling stock, vehicles, buildings and scenery.

TRUST IN DUST

Real coal dust sieved onto the surface of sidings used to handle coal traffic can be an effective way to darken track. No glue is required, just brush it into place with a stiff brush. Remember to clean the rail tops before running trains.

METAL GURU

Humbrol’s Gunmetal shade (27004) of Metal Cote enamel paint is great for finishing off grubby black locomotives. The formula gives a very satisfying, greasy‑looking finish, with great results being easily achievable, especially when using the dry-brushing technique. The paint can be manipulated well after it appears to have dried, with a convincing oily sheen developing.

SIMPLE STONEWORK

When treating stone buildings, begin by spraying an overall dark undercoat; I use a blend of Halfords matt black, grey and red oxide primers. When fully dry, I dry‑brush lighter stone colours over the surface relief using matt enamels. This leaves the darker primer undercoat in all the mortar courses and recesses.

TOP OF THE MATCH POTS

Interior matt emulsion is a great medium for quick scenic weathering jobs. A pre-painted building (especially Hornby Skaledale or Bachmann Scenecraft structures) can be painted over with a dull grey/brown shade. Then, before the paint dries, it can be quickly wiped off with a damp cloth, leaving some of the pigment in the recesses. Just pop the model under the hot tap if it doesn’t work first time – the paint will easily scrub off. Match pots are a good and inexpensive way to buy such paints.