Weathering
Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Decal Removal with Floqul Decal Remover
Robin wants some pointers on removing decals and asks everyone:
“I want to change a tender from New York Central to Southern. I have tried Floqul Decal remover without success. The tender is a new Lionel. Have any of your readers got any experience with decal removal?”
Comment below.
Night Sky On Model Train Layout
Larry wants to create a night scene for his model railroad layout and asks readers for advice:
“What is the most realistic way for creating stars in the sky at night for a layout?”
Comment below.
Making Signs
Mike has an unusual question for readers:
"What is a good font size to make names on buildings and signs for your layout? I have some Hobby Cal item # 7 inkjet water-slide decal paper I have purchased and want to try it out. Thanks for any ideas I can get."
Add your comments below.
Paint For Model Train Cars
Don has a question for readers on paint colrs and supply and asks:
“I need tank car silver paint to redo several cars and don’t know what to purchase. Has anyone got any directions for me? Also, I would like to do several other cars, but I cannot find a source of correct colors and decals. Any help????? Regards, Don”
HO Gauge Model of a GM MP15 Dummy Undecorated
Frank want to get an HO GM MP15 and asks readers:
“Where can I acquire an HO gauge model of a GM MP15 dummy undecorated? Athern used
to manufacture it but I am told that Athern does not at this time. Does one of your readers know who may have one?
Decals Made Easy?
James is having trouble with decals and is wondering if others experience similar problems. If you can give James any advise – please do, as I’m sure he (and many others) would like to hear your thoughts on decals. James asks:
“Is there a definitive source that will demonstrate/explain the art of decaling? My skills are horrible at best and I want to learn/master the intricacies of decaling.”
Register (it takes only 2 minutes) and then add your comments by using the Comments & Feedback link below. EASY!
Decals, Road Signs and Track Signs
John is on the look out for decals and road signs for his RR layout and asks:
“Can someone inform me where I can get European decals, road & track signs (Norwegian) if possible?”
You can help John by adding feedback to his posting.
Also, even if you can’t answer John’s question, perhaps you might like to comment on decals and road signs in general. Maybe you make your own road and track signs, or maybe you can share some tips for applying decals. I’m sure others in the hobby would be very interested in hearing your views.
To comment or add feedback simply click on the green comments link below this posting. Then simply register (you only need to do this once), and then you can add feedback and comments to any blog posting.
Weathering Techniques For Model Trains
Adding Dents
At some time or another we’ve all stopped at a railway crossing and watched a train go past and probably noticed varying degrees of denting on the cars. Replicating dents on a model train can add to the realism, but be warned, this is not easy to do and there is the risk of causing unintended damage to the cars. If you are going to give it a go, start by removing the trucks and couplers from off an old ore car, gondola, or steel boxcar. Remember, the idea is to give the impression that the car has been dented by cargo falling against the inside wall of the car.
At some time or another we’ve all stopped at a railway crossing and watched a train go past and probably noticed varying degrees of denting on the cars. Replicating dents on a model train can add to the realism, but be warned, this is not easy to do and there is the risk of causing unintended damage to the cars. If you are going to give it a go, start by removing the trucks and couplers from off an old ore car, gondola, or steel boxcar. Remember, the idea is to give the impression that the car has been dented by cargo falling against the inside wall of the car.
This effect can be achieved by using heat to deform the plastic outwards to simulate denting from the inside. Again, I warn that this can be tricky and the result is not always as planned. So, be warned, you might want to try out on an old piece of plastic before working on an expensive car. Use a soldering iron (not set too hot) to gently press against the inside of the walls. You could also use a heated screwdriver, but again you need to take care and don’t break right through the plastic.
You may be best to test different techniques on an old train/car before doing any permanent damage to your best rolling stock.
Model Train Videos Prove Popular
Thank you for the excellent feedback on my series of model train videos – I’m glad people are enjoying them.
If you haven’t already had a look at the free sample video you can access it here http://www.model-train-help.com/sample-video.html
Here is some info on a couple of videos in the 42 model train video series:
Video #17. Electrics Explained
In this video clip, James explains the control panel he built to control various points on his layout including the signals. He shows you how he has motorized all the turnouts on the main tracks and why he’s left all the other turnouts, such as the interchange, as manual throw turnouts. James has used different methods to attach the turnouts depending on their location on the layout and shows how he has mounted the DCC system under his baseboard.
After a quick tour James explains how to measure the track voltage and how to reduce the voltage to prevent decoders from overheating or failing. He then shows you step-by-step how to build a ‘diode matrix’ set.
Video #23. Making Scenery Foliage
Florist foam is an inexpensive, versatile material to use when making foliage and groundcover for your model railroad layout. Watch how to go about it step-by-step. Then, see a demonstration of applying ‘dried moss’ as foliage. It is so easy when you know how!
The model train video series is available at http://www.model-train-help.com/member-only-videos.html
U.S. Military Railroad Color Scheme
Palmer has an interest in the Civil War and Model Railroads and would like to hear from like-minded people:
“I am both an HO scale model railroader and a Civil War re-enactor. I plan to include a tv re-enactor scene from the siege of Petersburg. This scene will include U.S. Military Railroad box cars as well as cannon armed cars. I have black and white photos of that time period, what I need is an idea of the color scheme used by the U.S.M.RR. for the box cars and troop carrying cars. Can one of your readers who shares my interest in Civil War history please help me?”
Comment using the comments link.
Model Railroaders Need Help
This model railroader blog is for you to use and share ideas with others in the hobby.
Here are three questions submitted by fellow model railroaders who would like some help.
If you are able to give some suggestions or advice, simply click on the green comments tag below. I’m sure they will appreciate your thoughts.
Model Railroader Question 1:
“I have a question. I’ve just constructed a 6 x 10 foot wood table setup. Will be running American flyer s gauge. Plywood top with Homasote over plywood.
Anyway, I want to prepare the homasote with a coat of paint. Any idea on the color? What type. I’m not really into realism. Just want a basic set up and will establish scenery as I go along. (with many of your suggestions).
One idea is to use an earthen color and add green later for grass. Or just paint green. I’m kind of reluctant to paint green to prevent pool table look.
For now I just want to start laying track and getting started. Any ideas on what to use to fasten track to homasote? Any help from your readers would be greatly appreciated. “
Model Railroader Question 2:
“Are there any methods to create canted or banked curves with HO flextrack? I’ve never seen a model RR with banked curves. They look great on real RRs.”
Model Railroader Question 3:
“I have a 6×10 layout with 3 different tracks, someone said that I will need a barrier strip and jumper. When train goes at the far end of the layout it slows up a lot or stopping. Would I need the barrier strips and the jumper? If so, how would I hook them up I do not know? Would your readers have a diagram or step by step instructions. Thank you! “
If you would like to help these model railroaders and suggest an answer, simply click on the green comments tag below.
Two Model Railroad Videos
The new series of 42 model railroad videos is proving popular. They are not flashy productions, but the content of each video is helpful. The videos can be downloaded over the Internet. Here is a little bit of information about two of the model railroad videos:
Video #5.
‘My Railroad’ (Part 3)
On this video John shows his electrical setup and explains scenery construction techniques. He demonstrates a working crane and gives an interesting tutorial on lubricating a locomotive and how to use conducta lubricants for cleaning and lubricating commutators.
Video #6.
‘Trains In The Tropics’
The Cairns/Kuranda Scenic Railway in Queensland, Australia is an amazing example of engineering achievement. This is a fascinating look at the prototype and HO layout including the Skyrail and unique ‘Aussie style’ buildings. Very interesting!
Click here for more information about the model railroad videos.
42 Amateur Model Railroad Videos Released
After a year in the making a series of 42 amateur model railroading videos were finally released today.
These videos do not pretend to be Hollywood productions as they focus more on providing good content rather than flashy presentation.
The 42 model train videos cover a range of model railroading topics and include tours of several private layouts… not normally open to the public.
These videos, available by download, also feature visits to some train shows and include lots of useful ideas and tips to help hobbyists build, or improve their own model railroad. Other video topics cover baseboard construction, electrics, foliage making, DC and DCC operation. The series even includes three videos about building a garden railroad.
These videos range in length but average around nine or ten minutes each. The step-by-step tutorials in the videos provide answers to many common (and not so common) model railroading problems.
Access to these videos is by “membership only” so is restricted to a limited number of keen model railroaders.
To find out more about these model train videos and to read the list of contents and see a sample video click on this model train video link.
Happy railroading!
Masking Tip For Painting Model Trains
Painting two colors on a locomotive can be a difficult task especially if the colors butt up to each other and when a straight line is needed. Usually masking tape is a useful tool for painting straight lines, but sometimes the lines are a bit rough.
To achieve a better result allow at least 24 hours before applying the second color. This will give the first color adequate time to harden properly. Then apply the masking tape to make your line. The trick is to then spray the area to be painted the new color AT THE EDGE OF THE TAPE with dullcoat effectively sealing the tape.
Leave it to dry for at least 30 minutes. This is important because we rush applying the second coat when the first coat has not thoroughly dry and is still slightly soft. Then paint the second color and this should leave a sharp paint line with n signs of bleeding. A simple and easy model train tip.
New Paint Schemes For Atlas RS-1
The N scale Atlas N RS-1 Locomotive will not have DCC ready frames, but it will have a new paint scheme in August 2007.
The RS-1 was introduced by ALCO in March of 1941 with the delivery of the first of two units to the Rock Island. Combining the accessibility of a switching locomotive and the higher-speed tracking of a road unit, the RS-1 started a revolution in locomotive design that was soon embraced by all of the major diesel-electric builders. Despite ALCO’s own introduction of higher horsepower roadswitchers, the 1,000 h.p. RS-1 had a production span of 19 years (1941-1960) with 623 units.
How Weather Affects Model Railroading
We all feel the cold when temperatures drop, but so does our model train layout. When temperatures drop below 32 degrees fahrenheit (0 degree Celsius), moisture in the air and the models begin to freeze and the plastic becomes brittle.
The thing to remember is that it is often coldest at night when the model railroader is sleeping. The problem is freezing temperatures and damp can lead to condensation freezing on the model train layout. We were taught at school that water expands when it freezes. It is true and it can cause damage to your layout, rails and electronics.
High humidity can also be a big problem. Old steel rails rust just like any other unprotected steel. So, keep a watch on temperature and humidity levels around a model train layout. This could save time and the wasted effort of constant maintenance or repairs to models due to rust.
Making Signage For A Model Railroad Layout
If you want to make shop signs, road signs, railroad signs etc for placement around your model railroad layout, you might want to use your computer laser or ink-jet printer. Coat the ink-jet sign with Polly-Scale Flat Finish so that weathering will not cause the color to run.
Under no circumstances use the popular technique of dulling the sign with steel wool. The waterproof seal will be broken and the in-jet inks will run and ruin the sign. Instead use pastels for dulling the signs. This is less of a problem with laser printers or color copiers.
Weathering Level Crossings On Model Railway Layouts
Model Railroad level crossings definitely look too clean when taken out of the packaging. However, sometimes level crossings on model railway layouts also give the appearance of being “over weathered”. So what is the answer?
Try to apply a small amount of dark wash (a watered down black) only to the hinge and connecting rod areas of the gates. On a prototype railway level crossing they are the parts that are greased regularly and so it be right to assume that they would generally appear greasy.
Over weathering can make the gates look simply “grimy” and “uncared for”. This also can be a pleasing effect in older freight yards etc.
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