WEATHERING FOR THE PRE-BR STEAM ERA
How do I recreate the distinctive polished – yet grimy – look of steam locomotives in pre-nationalisation days? Robert Wood, by e-mail
George says: Rendering a filthy steam locomotive is a fairly straightforward prospect, especially in comparison to recreating a well-tended machine. Pristine models rarely capture the look of the real thing unless some degree of weathering is applied, but achieving an authentic patina can be a challenge. Indeed, it’s very easy to overdo things and end up with something far dirtier than intended. Before the war, there were plenty of cleaning staff on hand to keep motive power cleaned and polished on a regular basis. But the harsh operating environment, especially in towns and cities, meant that locomotives and stock were prone to attracting all manner of dirt and grime within hours of leaving the depot. The nature of the cleaning materials meant that locomotive paintwork often took on a pronounced lustre, while deposits of coal dust, ash and general airborne grime invariably collected in hard-to-reach areas. Less prestigious motive power often received cursory cleaning of the most accessible or visible areas and this led to an interesting contrast between the dusty deposits of dirt and the polished paintwork. Indeed, this is the vital factor that we need to recreate on our models. RTR models need some extra help here, as the satin or matt finish often looks a little lifeless once a smattering of weathering is applied. To counteract this, we can start our weathering job with the use of T-cut automotive finish restorer. The original formula is best, being a mix of petroleum distillate and micro abrasive particles, which softens the underlying paintwork just enough to allow it to be polished. Some care is needed in its use, with only a tiny amount required – too much solvent and over-vigorous buffing will remove the paint and any lining or printed characters. However, within a few minutes, the factory finish will soon take on a more convincing lustre. The special properties of Humbrol Metalcote Gunmetal enamel (No. 27004) can also be harnessed, as it boasts a dark, oily outlook and the metallic particles react well to burnishing after application, thus creating a suitably greasy sheen. Combined with regular matt enamels, such as Humbrol’s Nos. 62 Leather, 113 Rust and 33 Black, the mixture can be brushed liberally over the model, before wiping most of it away with swabs. This leaves traces of the ‘dirt’ in recesses and around raised details, just as it would be in real life. After further refinement with an airbrush or weathering powders, the overall effect can be really convincing.