No, I have noticed the same thing Pip. There seems to be a lot of folks who model the 1930s whose structures look this way. It was first brought to my attention some years ago by my father who grew up in that era. We were reviewing a layout in a magazine, and although the modeling was top-notch and the craftsmanship superior to most, all the buildings were looking like they hadn't seen any maintenance in 30 years. My father commented that even though it was the great depression, what preceeded that era was a time of prosperity when a lot of new buildings were constructed that would not have looked that run-down in such a short period. I think it's easy to get carried away with weathering. I'm guilty of it myself. Especially with craftsman style kits. It can be done well and look amazing. But depending on the era, might not look "right".

Pip,

I enjoy some of the great stuff people create but I too agree a lot of people go overboard. I find it harder to model new things then old as you can't hide something new with weathering. I am trying with my stuff to use prototype photos as much as I can and copy the real world.

I will have to agree with all of you! I have noticed the same thing. It's as though many weather so much that while modeling the 1930 ERA their 1905 built buildings look like a worn down adobe village build in 1825 which are rain and weather worn to beyond anything modern man would find himself living in.

In my view of adding age and weathering to structures I try to just get models to the point that they no longer look like out of the box plastic and fresh paint but to appear as the buildings I see in my own downtown area.

I happen to live only a few blocks from downtown Winchester Virginia where you will find Homes and buildings that were built in the 1600's and 1700's which include George Washington's Law Office and Thomas Jefferson's Office and one of his Victorian style homes as well as many others from the 1700's. All of these structures are covered in fresh paint with manicured lawns and shrubs.

Even the industrial area in town down near the late 1800's train station and Yard, the oldest buildings have been demolished and newer reproductions of the originals have been rebuilt. The Train track side of these buildings are diesel stained but to now where near the extent of most Model Railroads.

The thing That's different about Weathering Model Railroads Is that, our models are exaggeration of the real thing to give the visitor or viewer the illusion of Old and Weathered structures and trains and not what would actually happen to every building or engine.

The main thing you have to consider is that our models are renditions of Old towns and cities and the main thing that many Model Railroaders do is try give you the feel of old worn down structures and trains and not exact reproductions.

Dan

Pip,

I also agree with you, and not only on structures, but on rolling stock.  I model the 60's & 70's, so my early 1900s buildings would look somewhat weathered.  You brought out a very important point in that even though items (vehicles, buildings, locos, rolling stock) may be old, they are often maintained.  This maintenance by include sandblasting buildings, and of course painting.  Not everything old looks run down.  (hopefully, including me!).

I try to go by the rule that less is more, and that obivious is usually too much when it comes to weathering.

Rick

and structures.  That includes recognising the differences in architecture and building materials in different parts of the country and in different eras.  I think sometimes a lot of the small "craftsman" type structures tend to look like what we would think of as steriotypical Applachia, and are then weathered to be a "falling down shack."