Once the walkways have been completed spray the walkway with Dullcote. The Dullcote seals the chalk and dulls the paintwork. To weather the main body and cab is basically the same process. Use black chalk to darken the grills and fan outlets. The roof of the locomotive is usually dark due to the exhaust. It is better not to be liberal with the chalks as too much may be too unrealistic. Once the chalk is applied although it may look rather ineffective be aware once the Dullcote is applied the application enhances the chalks.
Union Pacific GP20 now weathered
It is also important to weather the trucks. The trucks were weathered using rust chalk on the journals and springs then a fine dusting of black to dirty the trucks. A final application of Dullcote and the locomotive is ready for service. Care must be taken when using Dullcote on the trucks not to spray the motor otherwise your locomotive may be sent too the engine house for repairs. Mask the motor using masking tape to protect from spraying the Dullcote.
The completed Union Pacific No 486 ready for service
It is best to trial weathering until you are confident with the results. My advice is too select a locomotive that you are prepared to experiment with. One idea is too practice using chalks without sealing with Dullcote so if you are unhappy with the result a wash in soapy water will bring the shell back to new.
Gary at work weathering- note the tools, bowl, chalks and coffee
Brushes, hobby knife and chalks used for this project
I would like to thank Gary for his time and expertise in sharing his experience to all us modellers. For further advice Gary can be contacted at email
More pictures of my attempts at weathering grain cars