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How to Weather Model Steam Engines

Weathering a model steam engine is an advanced painting technique that makes the model train look aged after years of normal use. It's a way of creating a model engine that looks more like a replica of the actual train engine rather than a toy model. When weathering the engine you simulate the results from the conditions an actual train engine may have been used in, from dirt and gravel effects to the fading brought about from long-term exposure to the sun. It's an area of decorating your engine where a touch of art is as important as painting technique.

Things You'll Need

Clear gloss paint
Black paint
Paint thinner
Paintbrush
Clear flat paint
Brown paint
Fine sand
Brown ink
Black ink
Testors Dullcoat

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the exterior model casing from the train engine by unscrewing it from the engine base and place it on a flat work surface.
- 2
  Coat the model steam engine with clear gloss paint to seal in the un-weathered paintjob. Dilute the paint using a solvent and allow the coat to dry overnight.
- 3
  Apply a wash to the model with black paint thinned to 10 percent paint and 90 percent paint thinner. Brush the entire surface of the engine with the thinned paint mixture, taking care to apply the paint into any model recesses. The wash creates shadows to the model details, adding depth to your model. Remove any excess wash from the model with a dry brush.
- 4
  Apply a coat of flat clear paint to help the shadows created by the wash stand out from the model.
- 5
  Add an additional layer of wash around areas affected by the smoke form the smokestack of the train. This includes the rim of the stack as well as the body of the top of the engine where the stream of the smoke would fall.
- 6
  Dust the upper surface of the engine with a thinned light tan paint, lightly drybrushing the model surface to simulate the fading effects of the sun on the engine. To drybrush, dip the brush slightly into the paint and then run the brush over a paper towel, removing most of the paint before running the bristles over the model's surface, leaving behind a slight paint dusting.
- 7
  Simulate rusting on some of the lower areas of the model by applying a light coat of brown paint in rusted areas. Apply the paint from a central point, dragging the brush outward slightly.
- 8
  Sprinkle a layer of fine model sand for added texture on the brown paint before it dries. Allow the sand to dry and remove any excess by shaking the model.
- 9
  Mix brown ink with water in a 1:1 ratio and then lightly dip the brush into the mixture. Shake excess ink from the brush and apply the ink to the sand-covered areas, using the same stroking methods as used with the paint. Allow the ink to dry overnight.
- 10
  Spray a layer of Testors Dullcoat onto the entire model to protect the weathering effects

Model Railroads