In my 20-plus years with Model Railroader magazine, I’ve written several how-to articles on airbrushing. Some have focused on using the tool to re-create models you can’t find on the shelf, such as “How to paint multi-color locomotives” in the September 2013 issue. Others, including “How to weather coal hoppers” in December 2012, have demonstrated […]
Section: Painting
How to strip paint from plastic models
Eric White couldn’t find a Northeastern style caboose painted for the Lehigh Valley, but a vendor at a train show had several models in another paint scheme. In less than an hour, Eric had a model that was ready for new paint. Watch this video to see how he stripped the original paint. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT […]
How-to Library: Installing a portable spray booth
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Want the freedom to paint and weather your models safely and easily in your basement? MRVP’s David Popp shows how to make that possible by installing a fold-up spray booth from Micro-Mark. Follow along as he talks you through the entire process — […]
How-to Library: Airbrushing with Aaron, Episode 13, Weathering small-scale vehicles
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Host Aaron Skinner takes up the task of adding realistic weathering effects to make the trucks and machinery on your layout appear like they’ve been working hard. Follow along to learn his techniques for modeling chipped paint, adding dirt and grime, getting […]
How-to Library: C&NW Suburban Service, Part 6
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Cody now turns his attention from the Chicago & North Western HO scale commuter cars to the locomotive used to haul them! Ride along with Cody as he works to model a GP7 featuring all of the right details and weathering effects […]
How-to Library: C&NW Suburban Service, Part 5
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Cody continues reassembling the Chicago & North Western HO scale commuter car, before hauling them off to the spray booth to add realistic weathering effects. Pick up a copy of Model Railroading: The Ultimate Guide 2019, to read the printed instructions of Cody’s […]
How-to Library: C&NW Suburban Service, Part 4
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode, Cody works to paint the interior of a Chicago & North Western HO scale commuter car. From there, he shows how to add seated figures before reassembling the car. […]
How-to Library: C&NW Suburban Service, Part 3
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Plenty of tasks still to tackle if Cody wants to keep his Chicago & North Western HO scale commuter car project moving forward. From adding rust effects to the trucks and diaphragms to painting the car interior, Cody shows you how! […]
How-to Library: C&NW Suburban Service, Part 2
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Cody has the Chicago & North Western HO scale commuter cars disassembled, so it’s over to the spray booth he goes to prep them for re-lettering. Follow along as he shares his proven tips and techniques for working with water-slide decals. […]
How-to Library: C&NW Suburban Service, Part 1
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Now that David Popp has shared his fine design for a Chicago & North Western HO scale layout, it’s time for Cody Grivno to start building a signature fleet of suburban service commuter cars. Cody gets things started by showing you how […]
How-to Library: Airbrushing with Aaron, Episode 12, Water Effects
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode of AWA, host Aaron Skinner is making BIG waves! Follow along to learn an easy technique for making a realistic seascape atop a foam insulation base. […]
How-to Library: Airbrushing with Aaron, Episode 11, Realistic Metal Finishes
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page A shiny, natural metal finish looks just as nice on a streamlined passenger car as it does on a vintage airplane! Aaron Skinner walks you through the steps for applying a sleek finish using an airbrush. Plus, he also shares a clever […]