by Tim Harry

Created on: March 14, 2008

Collectors and modellers often have very firm beliefs about weathering and is a very emotive subject. There are two broad camps of thought; those collectors who wish their models to be kept in pristine condition; and those modellers who are looking for a more realistic modelling experience.

As a model train enthusiast I am one of those who can understand both camps of thought. In essence I keep my models pristine, having spent GBP50/USD100 on a new model I don't want to devalue it immediately by roughing it up. At the same time I want my railway layout to be as realistic as possible, a true miniature version of an English steam railway.

To get past this dilemma I will often purchase cheap second hand models from toy fairs, swap meets and auctions. The lower price paid for these models means that I do not have the same reluctance about attempting to weather them.

The term weathering is fairly self explanatory; a modeller will attempt to distress a model, showing the effects of the weather and the day-to-day wear and tear on it. New models are predominantly made in unweathered condition, it is easier to manufacture and will appeal to those looking for pristine finishes. In recent years though there has been an increase in manufacturers producing limited runs of weathered locomotives and rolling stock.

A locomotive and rolling stock will accumulate the dirt of the land it is working in. In the city this will mean the exhaust and pollution of industry and vehicles, whilst in the desert this will mean sand stripping paint work. Each environment will result in a different sort of weathering. This means that the most important thing to do before weathering any model is to research its environment. It is no good weathering a model as if it had been in a desert when it will spend all its life in the city goods yard.

I have always found that the best research is through the accumulation of coloured photographs of real locomotives and vehicles. This has proved difficult in my case where I model locomotive landscapes from the 1940s and 1950s. In the UK there are some preserved railways running steam trains from this period but they are few and far between

Take your time when you do your research, there is nothing worse than starting the weathering process when you are not prepared. Once you have completed your research it is then time to take your model apart. No complete weathering job can be done with the model in one piece.

The weatherer's friend is a 91% alcohol wash.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>