The track and roadbed are in place on the HO scale Virginian Ry. project model train layout. Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows you how to use an airbrush to paint model railroad track in this week’s video journal.
Building the Virginian Ry., part 11
By Angela Cotey | February 19, 2012
| Last updated on January 11, 2021
Learn how to paint model railroad track
I put paper under the track and lightly oil the rails using a fingertip with either 3 in 1 or WD-40.
After spraying, I slip out the paper and go over the rails with a Q tip dipped in almost any solvent like acetone or methyl ethyl ketone [MEK] to remove the paint and the oil. While I have an excellent airbrush, I use 'rattle cans' and mist rust colored primer, flat black, and a trace of gray to acheive inconsistent colors. [less clean up than the airbrush].
Contrasting colored ballast added with a sliding ballasting box really gives a 'real deal' visual, once it's bonded down.
That's a nice way to do it. I have just a question on the colors.
I thought you would be painting the ties and rails in different colors, I mean, ties in brown and rails with some rust color. Wouldn't that be more realistic? Why painting it all over with the same?
Thanks in advance for your comments.
this was a very interesting video.I was wondering what would h appen if you painted over the wire connections. Joe
As soon as you paint, wipe the paint off the top of the rails before the paint dries.
You guys should take a few minutes after every few episodes when you do these journals and do a quick answer session for the many questions you get. That would be a cool idea. Kind of like the reader section of Cody's office. Still fun series to watch though.
I agree. Where do I go for more answers as pointed out from other readers. What model air brush, psi, tip number? As a beginner this is important info to get me started.
I place an ever so thin coat of oil like WD40 on the top of the rail with my finger right before painting. After the paint dries the paint on the top of the rail just flakes off without fuss and its easy to clean the rail.
Why thin the paint with alcohol vs water?
Well, this may be unpopular, but personally I think painting track is just a giant waste of time (and maybe somewhat compulsive)? Because AFAIC just plain old brown-tied rail after ballasting looks every bit as good to me as what I saw here with all that spray painting business..!
I guess maybe I just ain't that fussy? ;>})
Skip Leib
great series, concerning spray painting, from spraying jets to track continues to be the same, just smaller equipment. Great job.
I've found that dragging a single edge razor blade over both rail heads (make sure power is off) while the paint is still tacky will clean the track real fast.It will get most paint off,use denatured alchol or something similliar to get tough spots off.
In just reading the user comments, it appears that you have the basis for several additional video topics on building the VGN Ry. And looking over Cody's and Dave's shoulders in these videos makes these tasks look so much more doable. Very good series and thanks to all.
thanks on video of painting track. think showing other way to clear track because more tracks than on this layout. Safety come frist before start on doing painting in closed room area.
Which needle/nozzle did you use on the Paasche airbrush, a #3 or a #5?
Details, Details, Details ! Airbrush type, tip size, air pressure, clean-up after using "brite boy". I notice a lot of details left out of magazine articles such as "use xxx item". But no mfg name or supplier given. Makes it very frustrating when trying to do a similar project.
Cody, Micro-Mark makes a battery-operated paint stirrer that does an absolutely great job of stirring paint in those little bottles. It's one of those "can't-live-without-it" tools in my bag now. And I think it's even on sale this month! Give it a try.
I use a dual action Paasche VL air brush at 30 PSI. I thin the paint as recommended on the bottle. I use rail tie brown acrylic paint. I like the suggestion of putting oil on the rails first. Used to use a single action airbrush and will never go back. You have much more paint control with dual action.
Lets back up for a moment. When wiring track you used a juicer or something for 4 of the turnouts. Did you cut any gaps for any of the turnouts or sections of track. I know DCC is not to have GAPs in most areas.
Kudo's.. Now I know what it will take me to paint my rails on the A&S Alton District.. It is the approximate size (just smidge larger) than the Virginian.. Thanks Cody and David..
I see you use masking tape over the critical electrical connection points. I always have trouble with the paint wicking into the turnout electrical connections under the rails? Is Labell oil 108 or conductalube helpful if applied before painting?
Nice job guys. Who did the great guitar playing during the segment?
How about showing the cassete track section (fiddle yard). I am interested in the construction of this part for a very soon to be built layout.
Since we're all inside your head, all the time, wouldn't it be nice to be repeatitive and boring to all the well experienced craftsmen and tell all of us idiots, who never even picked up an a sprayer, just what the cost is, or most of all, what pressure should we use in different applications. Your videos, as well intended, do come up short.
I use a 2" piece of scrap 1" x 2" and with a downward pressure, drag a 90 degree edge of it along along the railhead while the paint is still wet. i.e. paint for 2 feet….drag the block…..repeat. This gets 99% of the paint easily and when finished painting a final clean up with a Bright Boy to get the odd missed smear of paint is a snap.
Phil
Great….enjoy the series very much!
Keep up the GREAT work!!!
Randy