Low Cost Weathering Of Freight Cars

October 15, 2010

This is a low-cost way to weather freight cars. Remove the bright shine from freight cars with this weathering technique (practice on an old car first).

Apply some white water based house paint (just a small amount) to a small brush. Then dip it in water and give it a good soaking. However, don’t wash all the paint off. Starting with the roof brush it over the model. Use downward strokes to brush it to the bottom of the wagon. Don’t worry if it run’s down the sides as you can wipe away spillages with a piece of kitchen paper towel.

Then get some Woodland scenics water based ground dye (burnt umber is a good choice). Add a few drops in a paper cup with a small amount of water. Then paint this mixture over the wagon like you did with the white mixture. You want a dirty looking mix.

After you have covered the wagon you can brush the model with a very diluted down mix of brown. Brush it on starting at the top. Use a very wet brush and all the colors should start running down the side. Paint some on rivet lines, the door edges, and other places that would normally attract rust or dirt and grime. Use a paper towel and soak up the spills.

You could even use this technique on the trucks and wheels, but you might want to use a “rust” looking color on the wheels.

More model railway tips in the Model Train Help ebook.