Weathering your rolling stock or locomotives is another feature of modelling that can be very satisfying and rewarding. Until now I have not shown interest in weathering my models until my friend Gary weathered a Lifelike Southern Pacific GP20. Once I operated it on my layout it added a new depth of realism that I decided to learn how to weather for realism.
The modified and weathered GP20 by Gary Rose
I was so impressed with this model I asked Gary to weather another GP20 but this time I would watch and learn. While Gary weathered my next GP20 I took some pics for this web page. The next model to be weathered was my Union Pacific GP20 as I have been very impressed with Lifelike and wanted to see how realistic the model would look when weathered.
UP 486 ready for weathering
The first process is to remove the shell and separate the main body from the walkway and handrails, once this is complete remove the cab and remove the plastic shields and numbering from inside the cab and main body. It is also wise to wash the parts in soap solution to remove oils and grease from the shell otherwise the chalks will show imperfections and fingerprints.
GP20 stripped and cleaned ready for weathering
The tools required for weathering are quite simple, firstly you need good artist chalk with white , grey, black and brown for basic weathering. A sharp knife to scrap the chalk and some fine brushes to apply the chalk. A spray can of testors dullcote to seal the chalk.
To begin weathering scrape some chalk into a glass bowl this enables application of chalk on the fine brushes. First black chalk was applied to the walkways and railings, this simulates oil and grease that ends up on the locomotive after prolonged operation.
Comparison of the weathered walkway and an original walkway