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Rubbing it onto paint work will after a bit of a wait discolour the paint work nicely. Using the alcohol over a white ink spray will also cause a nice oxidisation effect if required.

A sharp knife is a key tool. By using the point it is possible to chip of paintwork from the model, which does, with practice, replicate the flaking effect found on many locomotives.

Weathering though is not just about removing detail but also adding using paint or coloured pencils. Weathering requires an eye for detail, so small paintbrushes area a must, as is a wide range of coloured paints. Painting is an option, but a much better finish is often made by dry-brushing, using the minimal amount of paint to create the weathering effect. Weathering is about layers, so a small layer may take a number of different layers of different colours to finally recreate your ideal weathered finished.

Coloured pencils are also useful colouring materials. A white coloured pencil, can be used to smear logos and numbering on your locomotive. Coloured pencils are also a good way to represent the smearing and running of paint. A graphite pencil is also a good tool for the representation of steel on your model.

I personally like to use a fine spray mist to add a dusting onto my reworked models, if done properly it can give an excellent reproduction of pollution build up. Though do remember to seal any amendments you make to your models, otherwise handling will destroy all of your hard work.

To create dents all you need is a soldering iron, set at its lowest setting it will deform plastic kits nicely. Of course doesn't work as easily on brass or other metal kits.

There are some key tools to have to hand, alcohol wash, several small paintbrushes, a craft knife, a magnifying glass, a steady hand and patience.

Some modellers can weather a locomotive to an extent that it is indistinguishable from the real thing. Intricate details can be added with patience, including corrosion on battery boxes to fuel spills around the fuel tanks. I have to admit though I am not one of these modellers; whilst I am getting better, it takes patience and a detailed eye to create a true masterpiece of the modelling world. Model railways though are supposed to be fun, so do not take it too seriously, mistakes happen but each mistake makes you a better modeller, and as they say practice makes perfect.

Learn more about this author, Tim Harry.
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