Weathered Locos & Stock
- Thread starter Podartist79
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Podartist79
Western Thunderer
The latest weathering I’ve completed and technically from an era I remember well; out of the box Heljan Class 50 NSE.
Podartist79
Western Thunderer
Very kind of you Steve, as always.
My weathering methods didn’t change for the 50 as such, more observation of colour - from photo references - and really gaining an understanding of how this diesel weathers in comparison to others and to steam locos.
My weathering methods didn’t change for the 50 as such, more observation of colour - from photo references - and really gaining an understanding of how this diesel weathers in comparison to others and to steam locos.
Podartist79
Western Thunderer
Completed prior to Guildex, a very gentle weathering job on this NBR Atlantic.
Hopefully it now looks as though it’s undertaken a few journeys.
Scratchbuilt by Nick Dunhill
Painted by Paul Moore
*Before picture included - P Moore
Hopefully it now looks as though it’s undertaken a few journeys.
Scratchbuilt by Nick Dunhill
Painted by Paul Moore
*Before picture included - P Moore
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
What a wonderful example of the combined skills of no less than three masters of their craft, and applied to such a superbly "purposeful" looking machine!
One thing that particularly strikes me with those images is that the "gentle" approach to the weathering has perfectly enhanced an impression of latent power, and the sheer weight of the beast!
Pete.
One thing that particularly strikes me with those images is that the "gentle" approach to the weathering has perfectly enhanced an impression of latent power, and the sheer weight of the beast!
Pete.
Podartist79
Western Thunderer
Incredibly kind of you Peter, and thank you Adam on behalf of us all.
Mine was very much the smallest part.
Mine was very much the smallest part.
Tim Watson
Western Thunderer
Terrible shame one of those engines never made it to Kings Cross. Super job.
Tim
Tim
Silverystreaks
Western Thunderer
Well, you have indeed brought that Class 50 to life . I particularly like the staining directly under bodyside grills. Immensely authentic.
Bob
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Podartist79
Western Thunderer
Thank you All for your very kind comments.
It means a great deal if you think I’m getting the weathering effects looking authentic. I do try and study the prototype/prototype photographs as much as I can when undertaking the work. It prevents me guessing and/or making things up.
Chris; the weathering on the body sides was done exactly as you ask with oil paints and lots of streaking-blending with soft flat brushes.
The roof of the 50 was initially applied by airbrush, followed as you say with weathering powder application. This I set using further application of the airbrush - very gently - followed by more thin layers of airbrushing over that and then for the exhaust etc.
Hope this is useful.
It means a great deal if you think I’m getting the weathering effects looking authentic. I do try and study the prototype/prototype photographs as much as I can when undertaking the work. It prevents me guessing and/or making things up.
Chris; the weathering on the body sides was done exactly as you ask with oil paints and lots of streaking-blending with soft flat brushes.
The roof of the 50 was initially applied by airbrush, followed as you say with weathering powder application. This I set using further application of the airbrush - very gently - followed by more thin layers of airbrushing over that and then for the exhaust etc.
Hope this is useful.
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Gilbert
Western Thunderer
Thanks - I'm starting to do a little work in oils and its very effective - and therapeutic!
Chris
steve50
Western Thunderer
I keep looking back at that Class 50 and finding new subtle streaks, stains or colours! Have you weathered many diesels, do you have a preferred method of fading paintwork?
I found that, happily work the paints around for quite a while!
Podartist79
Western Thunderer
Hi Steve,
Re the fading I use greys/white in oils and work that over the body surfaces; you can do the same on coaches and wagons. It’s all about how much you leave on the surfaces that creates the level of fade.
Re the fading I use greys/white in oils and work that over the body surfaces; you can do the same on coaches and wagons. It’s all about how much you leave on the surfaces that creates the level of fade.
oldravendale
Western Thunderer
That's a sort of reverse fade. 
After all, fading is exposure to the sun or too much aggressive cleaning. It's not painted on by specially trained staff to give us the opportunity to copy it...
I rarely have to get my hat and coat but perhaps this once.
Brian
After all, fading is exposure to the sun or too much aggressive cleaning. It's not painted on by specially trained staff to give us the opportunity to copy it...I rarely have to get my hat and coat but perhaps this once.
Brian
jonte
Western Thunderer
Steve
This is something I’ve shared here before, but probably the simplest method of replicating faded paintwork is to spray the surface with thinned white paint, acrylic being the best as you can dry each coat with a hairdryer as you go to speed up the process.
Pelle Soeburg, a European modeller modelling in American HO, is an exponent of the art and uses it to attain the chosen weathered result in the shortest space of time, hence the title of one of his books on the subject: Done in a Day.
Here’s a photo from the cover of his book that shows a representation of a BNSF, formerly red in the main, diesel that’s been exposed to the harsh Californian sunshine, to give you an idea:
I recall he fades the uppermost surfaces more than the others to achieve the most realistic effect before progressing to other techniques.
Of course, it’s not as detailed as Neil’s work, however, it’s aimed at the modeller short on time or skill and I think is worth a go just to familiarise yourself with the technique and to judge whether it’s for you, as I mentioned, in a very short space of time.
jonte
Gilbert
Western Thunderer
I certainly have that in my weathering reference box too. Pelle's work is impressive.
FWIW I will be experimenting with oils for fading on a tank wagon soon but I've also used suitable shades of pigments on an old 4mm 08 shunter body.
Chris H