DAVE LOWERY
Top pro-modeller Dave has been there, done it and got the T-shirt!
THE RED UNDER THE BED
Weathering is usually associated with the final stage of a paint job or modelling project. However, give a thought to adding weathering at the beginning by applying a layer of red oxide primer before the topcoats are applied. This is especially useful when painting chassis and underframe parts, as it doesn’t matter if the subsequent layers of black reach into all of the nooks and crannies. Any of the red oxide that shows through will look like rust. Furthermore, any minor knocks and scrapes during the life of the model will reveal more of the ‘rust’.
EXPOSED KICKED STEEL
Dry-brushing the edges of locomotive steps and footplates with faint traces of silver paint represents areas of metal exposed by constant human traffic, especially where steel toecap boots have eroded paint. Handrails can be treated in a similar way – observe how and where the crew are most likely to access the cab or other parts of the locomotive. For example, if they hold the handrails at the bottom first, then halfway up as they enter the cab, so the handrails should only have a burnished effect at those two points.
NICE TOUCH FOR STEAM
There is so much scope for weathering steam traction, but one thing that pays dividends is attention to the chimney. Dry-brush on a few highlights, such as rusty deposits around the bolts securing it to the smokebox, or a light dusting of off-white or light grey around the inside edge of the chimney opening. The latter simulates a hard-working engine, where white-hot cinders have left their mark.
ONE FOR THE DIESELS
Before spraying any weathering paints, mask any areas that need to be kept clean, especially the glazing. For an extra touch of realism, we can mimic the tracks of the window wipers by cutting stencils from masking tape. Having spread some tape onto a flat surface, use a set of compasses (that instrument you had at school and thought you would never use again!), set to the length of the window wiper blades, to draw circles onto the masking tape. Cut the tape and divide the circle into quarters, then apply to the windows in the path of the wiper. After weathering, the tape can be peeled away and re-used on similar locomotives.
DAMP EFFECTS
Once all of the general weathering is complete, simulate a few damp areas using gloss varnish, mixed in a 50:50 ratio with thinners. Fuel, oil and water tanks are prime examples, the glossy finish contrasting nicely with the dusty matt of the dirty locomotive. Adding streaks with a fine brush, in line with gravity, completes the effect.