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.

Make sure any vehicles and rail crossings are from the right era. One idea is black washing the grilles and hubcaps to add depth and realism. Using a small brush you can also paint tail-lights, parking lights and door handles if needed.

Then consider taking the cars apart and install drivers and passengers. Nothing looks more fake on a layout than vehicles seemingly driven by invisible ghosts! You can purchase miniature figures in male, female and child variations all molded in ‘flesh’ color. The arms must be attached by gluing. Then the figures can be painted. Sometimes, the figures won’t fit between the steering wheel and the seat. It sounds a bit cruel but you simply cut the legs off with pliers and they fit just fine.

Use flat (rather than glossy) model paint to make painted clothing and hair look real. Keep things to the right scale relative to the trains. More ideas in my Model Train Help ebook.

Phil also has a G scale layout and asks:

“I have put down my LGB copper track on hard plastic form (cannot remember manufacturers name). I will now fasten every other section to this base. Unfortunately this layout is under some trees and accumulates leaves and debris. I am looking to glue the crushed stone and gravel. However, no-one seems to be able to help me with this process. What adhesive should I use and how do I accomplish this? Im looking to maintain the layout with the least amount of work. I would move it but it works around and over my Pond.”

Add your comments below and remember to use the Twitter and Facebook links under this posting to share it with friends.

Model railroad ballasting

Many model railroaders scratch build their structures using balsa wood. To add a wood grain effect, use a metal dog comb, and run it along a test piece of balsa. This should produce marks on the balsa like wood grain. The trick is to use a comb that is the correct scale width.

Visitors to your model railroad layout will not always spot the little details straight away, but the longer they watch the trains operate, the more chance they have to notice the elements that add amazing reality to your layout. Their faces will instantly light up, as they suddenly spot something interesting that captures their imagination.

More clever model railroad tips.