Images next, but first a few more words ...

The images below display some of the finished results. All weathering was done with AIM powders, artist oils and other mediums using hand-weathering techniques. There was no airbrushing, with the exception of applying Dullcoat, but this could also just as easily be done with a spray can. All you need is a few brushes, some powders, oils, and a few other items and you're good to go.

The weathering DVD will focus on all of the various hand-weathering techniques I employed here. I'll show you how to weather heavily, or subtly, and I'll talk about the nuance involved in creating a realistic looking diesel, without going over the top.  I'll also discuss the differences between how Alcos, EMDs and GE diesels get dirty.

The methods are really easy and a lot of fun, and best of all, you don't need an airbrush and compressor to get great results.

Enjoy the photos, and please give some feedback if you get a chance.

Also, I'd like to mention that the feature article on the Allagash, which was originally going to appear in March, has been rescheduled for the fall of 2013. I will have the opportunity to complete a few more scenes between now and then.

Thanks!

Mike Confalone

Atlantic Great Eastern Alco RS11s

Atlantic Great Eastern Alco RS11s. The Atlantic Great Eastern is Jack Ozanich's proto-freelanced railroad also based in Maine. It interchanges with my Allagash. This is a good before and after view. The 896 is in fresh paint while the 895 has seen a long, cold winter.

A closer view of the 895. Note the grease and oil accumulation along the walkway and on the fuel tank.

Mike Confalone

Geeps also get dirty ...

Geeps also get dirty! Here's a before and after view of a pair of AGR geeps in the original Spruce Green dip.

A close-up view of the 502. Note the greasy dirt on the wheel bearings, and the fuel spillage around the filler.

Here's a couple of views of the 502 in the sun. The camera shows all. I neglected to plug the tiny holes for the wind deflectors that were removed!

Mike Confalone

895, to me looks fantastic. 

I note specifically the various accumulations of filth and how well it runs down the body onto access doors.  Very interested in a DVD on the subject!

More class 500 ...

The paint on Class unit 500 is still pretty good. Note the fuel spill on the deck and the layered rust on the cab roof. Weathering need not always be over the top. Subtle weathering can be just as effective. 

The 509 is the loco assigned to the New Portland Switcher job.

Mike Confalone

Looking at some Alcos ...

Alco C420 2072 is former Conrail, acquired in late 1979 and now stenciled for the Allagash.

Here's C420 208. I weathered this to look like it had recently been through the washer. The yellow is a bit faded (Dullcoat) and there is just enough exhaust and oil staining to suggest it has been in service and beginning to get dirty once again.

Mike Confalone

And there's even an F unit still around ...

A very old and tired F7. The Allagash 607 still has three or four years of service left.

Mike Confalone

Another Alco ...

Here is another ex-Conrail Alco. C425 2418 is former Penn Central. Black locos are a challenge to weather and require a different approach. Note the subtle rust shadings on the cab roof, along the walk and on the fuel tank.

Here are a couple of down-on views of the 2418.

Mike Confalone

Diesels in action on the Allagash

Here's a couple of views of Allagash diesels in action, crossing the South Branch, Sandy River. This scene was just. recently completed.

Mike Confalone

Awesome

dirty beasts

Nice and filthy, as all hard working locos should be.  Engines get particularly dirty in the winter, so there's no reason to hold back on your layout especially.

One thing I might suggest on the 208, though...  Locomotive washers usually only wash the sides of the unit, so the roof stays dirty.  You can see it on the cab roof as the side and beginning of the roof being clean, and then a rather dramatic change to dirt on the roof.  Of course, anything is possible with loco weathering, and I have seen anything from fresh paint pristine to filthy black all over the roof and running down the side of the hood on prototype units of the same class.

I have noticed that Alcos, and locos which frequently m.u.ed with Alcos, often had the entire roof black with soot.

First and second...

Not only the weathered

Not only the weathered Diesels are great, the whole scenery is stunning! I really love the fallen leafs under the Trees. I stay tuned for more pictures.

Mike, what can I say???

The AGR Superintendent of Motive Power should be canned IMMEDIATELY!!! (And the President of the Road needs to have his judgment called into question.) 

And they call themselves "railroaders." After letting their motive power fleet get into such a state of filth. ... I mean come on, tell the enginehouse crew to get up off their rears and stop hanging around the break room -- if an engine is sitting still they need to be cleaning it. 

Seriously - looks awesome!! Reminds me of the CV's Alco fleet in the 80s when Alan and I used to chase them. 

Also, I sent Jack one of my Southern New England boxcars the other day - and had a great phone chat with him. Sounds like he's been running the wheels off the AGE this winter. 

Marty

Very nice ... I particularly

Very nice ... I particularly like the over-all look of the F7 and the trucks of the #502. I'd be interested in seeing a side-by-side comparison to the prototypes on which they are based. Thank you for positing...

BEAUTIFUL! great job Mike!

BEAUTIFUL!

great job Mike!

Excellent as always!

Can't wait

for this video.  Not having an airbrush (and likely not having one for quite some time, if ever), I have really wanted someone showing me professional results without using an airbrush.  Like someone said, I have some very nice locos that are clean as a whistle because I don't want to "wreck" them with my amateurish weathering. 

Good Stuff

I normally don't care for video, but might make an exception for this one.  Mikes' weathering looks great.

Prototype diesel photo weathering guides.

Thanks guys.

It had been a long time since I had really sat down and focused on weathering. I forgot just how enjoyable it is, and how quickly it gives impact. After several years of building, building, building, it was nice to take a break and bring the Allagash diesel fleet to life. I was tired of looking at clean locos.

I referred to prototype pics whenever possible. I didn't try to replicate the exact weathering patterns of a particular loco, but rather took from several to create an overall look to apply to each unit.

Here's an example of a Maine Central geep. I used several different pics and weathered Allagash 502 similarly. The base green paint gave me a good idea of what I needed to accomplish. After reviewing this proto pic, I can see a couple more things that need to be done.

MC

Diesel Weathering

G'day Mike

Fantastic weathering, will be waiting for the DVD, Looks like a lot of Diesels Down Under

cheers

Great work Mike;

Being an Alco fan, I love all of the oil these lovely creatures throw out while in operation.

Thank you for sharing.

Very nice

Mike,  The weathering looks great. I especially like the Allagash 502.  I'm Hi-railer but your videos and techniques have taken my modeling to a whole new level.  Still working on my white pine trees though. Thanks again for producing these videos. everyone in the model railroading world could benefit from viewing them. 

George

Weathering

This is so inspiring, a dvd on the subject would be my favorite!