PETER MARRIOTT

Model Rail’s renowned scenic guru.

“Feel free to choose the materials and the methods that you enjoy using and feel confident with – they often produce the best results”

TAKE IT STEADY!

You can always add another layer of weathering, but it’s not always so easy to remove thicker deposits.

PICK AND MIX METHODS

It’s possible to weather any subject with a single or multiple techniques. Feel free to choose the materials and the methods that you enjoy using and feel confident with – they often produce the best results.

CREATING RUST SPOTS

To create convincing spots of corrosion, mix up a paste composed of rust-coloured weathering powders and a little matt varnish or PVA glue. Dab the paste onto the sides and underframe of wagons, or onto a steel building, with a small paintbrush, a wooden stick or a cocktail stick. Drag the paste downwards to create the appearance of weathered streaks caused by rain.

USING WEATHERING POWDERS

Powders work best when applied to a dull or non-glossy model, so apply a light coat of matt varnish beforehand. Distressing the surface with a glass fibre brush also helps give the powders a better chance of sticking to the surface. Apply powders with a dry brush, adjusting the amount of pressure applied to vary the effects. A clean, soft brush can then be used to wipe away any excess powder. When you’re happy with the finished result, the powders can be sealed with a quick spray of matt varnish from an aerosol. This also has the effect of toning down the weathering slightly.

WEATHERING WITH WASHES

To remove the unrealistic shiny finish on a wagon, give it a thin coat of colour using a pre-mixed weathering wash, such as those sold by Humbrol, MIG, Lifecolor or AK Interactive. Alternatively, create your own washes by mixing a small amount of acrylic paint with water. Apply with a wide, flat brush, allowing the pigment to run into all of the nooks and crannies, before allowing it to dry.