This week I have found myself with the bliss of working from home. The beauty of this situation is that when I get bored of work I can do some actually interesting work, and that, everyone, means modelling tasks. Oh, and some running of course.
The other evening I found myself watching a weathering clip from a guy who weathered a 16ton mineral using a method I hadn't explored. I gave it a go and it was a shambles. I'm a big believer though in trial and error and I am a reflective learner.
Fortunately, the wagon was some old naff wagon that I had in the bottom of a box, so that was fortunate. Anyway, this afternoon I had a go at a different method using my traditional favourites of washes, enamels and powders.
The wagon was pristine when I took it off the shelf (hence why it hasn't been used yet either on here or at the model club's main layout). This needed some treatment. So:
- It started with a dirty wash all over using Humbrol matt enamel 32 grey. Liberally applied, especially in all the nooks and crannies and then wiped clear with downward strokes. No more pristine bodywork.
- One completed on all bodywork sides, it was left to dry by an open window next to my desk (and I had to get on with some actual paid work. I know, always getting in the way!)
- It didn't take long at all to dry. Then I applied small amounts of Humbrol matt enamel 98, which is a chocolatey brown colour, to the bodyside panels. Small speckles and larger areas to simulate deep, wet rust patches showing through. I was careful not to go overboard though. Little and often is key and also each panel is different.
- Once dry, it was given another quick wash and wipe off. The underframe was given a quick coating of Ammo's 'City Dark Dust' and 'Dark Earth'.
I'm happy with it and it looks far better.
From a distance the wagon is great and sat alone in a siding looks perfect.
Chris
