Efforts to make a new, HO scale (1:87.1) Alco RS1 diesel locomotives appear more worn continue. Here, David Popp demonstrates easy and effective airbrush weathering techniques for adding dirt, rust, grime, and faded-paint effects. […]
Q: I wonder if you could offer some ideas as to what might have caused a rough finish on an airbrushed structure. The prototype’s facade has white enameled panels, which I made by scribing lines in white styrene. The rest of the exterior is gray with a concrete block pattern, which I also modeled in […]
David recently installed new DCC decoders into his HO scale (1:87.1) Alco RS1 diesel locomotives. Now it’s time make what’s shiny and new appear more weathered, worn, and authentically detailed for the modeled era of operation. Follow along as David gets you started through the steps required to install realistic, fine details, before he begins […]
Acquire helpful tips for using an airbrush to apply shading and highlighting effects that mimic authentic wear and weathering patterns on freight cars. In this instance, David demonstrates the step-by-step process using HO scale (1:87.1) open hoppers. […]
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 […]
Q: I’m aware that India ink-alcohol stain fogs Dullcote and similar dulling lacquer products. But I’ve not been able to find anything on the internet that discusses what happens if you spray Dullcote onto something that has previously had an alcohol wash applied, but the alcohol has completely evaporated and is dry. I assume there is no effect, […]
Q: I’ve read the articles on how to patch out locomotives and rolling stock, but how often are these techniques used by cash-strapped short lines? It seems a lot easier (and cheaper) to slap a patch on a new locomotive and get to work than repaint a used locomotive. – Michael Schlobohm A: Prototype railroads, […]
Q: I would like some advice on cleaning an airbrush while weathering. I use an older Paasche airbrush to weather my N scale rolling stock. Since N scale models take very little paint, the painting process usually only takes a few seconds to a minute per color. But cleaning the tip, the air point, and […]
Car Swap Project part 7: Gerry’s creative touch: In this episode of our Car Swap series, Gerry explains how he completed the HO and O scale Bona Vista cars for Seth and David’s layouts. Starting with prep work and a few of decaling tips, Gerry then dives into extensive detail about weathering the two boxcars. […]
Car Swap Project part 6: Seth’s techniques: With the decals finally printed and distributed, it’s time to start the actual work of completing the cars. Seth, Gerry, and David each have their own techniques for doing this kind of work, so parts 6-8 will cover each modeler’s efforts in detail. Seth kicks things off with […]
Car Swap Project part 5: Printing decals with an ALPS printer: As the three friends endeavor to make custom boxcars for each other’s layouts, Gerry Leone, Seth Puffer, and David Popp embark on printing custom decals. There are several easy ways to print your own decals, just as long as you don’t want white lettering. […]
Plaid FX flexible acrylic paint. Last week my wife needed to make a stop by the local Hobby Lobby to get some supplies for her classroom. While my wife and daughter were busy shopping, my son and I walked through the rest of the store. I’m always on the lookout for potential modeling products, and […]
