Dave;

I am not at home right now so I'll post you a couple of quick tutorials on the lengths that armour modellers (in this case small scale 1:72 scale armour) to get that "just right" look.

There is pre shading, base colour, camouflage, washes, weathering, etc.

I found the following tutorials on the Scale Workshop site and wanted to share:

1. http://www.scaleworkshop.com/workshop/paintingsmallscalearmorbg_1.htm
2. http://www.scaleworkshop.com/workshop/paintingsmallscalearmorbg_2.htm
3. http://www.scaleworkshop.com/workshop/paintingsmallscalearmorcw_3.htm

It's something that I often see in modellers doing for train cars and diesels. Mostly there is a base coat, colour(s), and weathering.

But there is so much more that could be done to dead flatten several of your cars to take that clapped out but not abused paint to a whole new level. Here's a tiger 1 in 1/35th scale from the same site:

http://www.scaleworkshop.com/workshop/images/tiger1s33cw_18.jpg

The full page article and lots more photos are here:

http://www.scaleworkshop.com/workshop/tigeris33cw_1.htm

Take a look at the depth on each of the photos. No shiny, just nice flat workman like finish. Just like most of the rail cars we see. The pain is all over the place colour-wise but not obviously so. There's corners off, dings and chips, wear and tear.

Sorry if I wax lyrical; its the depth into the finish, the thought that goes into it that makes the model pop.

If my aging memory holds out I'll see if I can find some more of the resources I have at home and post them in a follow-up for you tonight.

"I am not at home right now so I'll post you a couple of quick tutorials on the lengths that armour modellers (in this case small scale 1:72 scale armour) to get that "just right" look"

 Hi Andrew, Thanks for the links, looks like interesting stuff to study. I already see something  on using a lead pencil to color the metal tank track treads that might have some possibilities in coloring hopper interiors to look like bare metal. ...DaveB

Hi Rob! No nerves came close to being struck with your initial post friend! It is my contention that character is forged through adversity. As I stated,..I won't dive any deeper into my personal life background, but I can assure that I have become thankful as I passed the century mark in my life as to the lessons that I have learned, the friends that I had lost and those that I've made. Life is good and all that comes as roadblocks,..CAN be hurdled!...I continue to remain positive in thought and forecast in this life.

I appreciate the kind sentiment towards the testimony of my family plight of a few years ago Rob! All is well now and like I mentioned in my last post,..perhaps the day will come when I can build the layout that I had desired at some point in time. Until that day comes,..I find places like this MRH magazine and it's discussion forums a grand place to absorb inspiration and intake all that is offered by those who share,

Thank you again for your nice comments on my works Rob..it is well appreciated!

Gary Christensen

Dave;

Here is the one that I am looking forward to working on next:

http://youtu.be/E0f1MVUb5TA

This guys techniques is really great to watch in action, and I look forward to working on some 40ft high cubes in both HO & O scale with this technique. Have a German WW2 Panther A to complete first though. And a job to find.

Enjoy.

In the past issue of MR, they had many articles concerning weathering. The locomotive they weathered, in my opinion, was way overdone. That's the type of model that should be displayed close to the body/paint shop because it looks like it has been neglected over the years and needs some serious overhaul. A prototype in that bad of shape probably needs an engine rebuild. If that's the look you're going for then it's a great job of weathering. If not, then it's just ugly. My weathering attempts have been to make the locomotives and rolling stock to look used, like the prototypes usually appear that have had years of use, but not so much that they appear in dire need of reconditioning.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=184678&nseq=13

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=98704&nseq=0

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=190879&nseq=1

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=173096&nseq=2

There are many examples on modern railroads.

Charles

Moderator question: We assume you mean by this post that these are in-service locomotives that just look run down on the outside but are workhorse running locos, otherwise? Your post was rather vague on that point.

HO - Western New York - 1987 era
"When your memories are greater than your dreams, joy will begin to fade."