The big question…whether to weather or whether not to weather?

The goal of this hobby for many is to achieve believable realism along with realistic and enjoyable operation. 

Color has scale just as much as the model being in 1/87 or HO size/scale. Weathering or aging actually bring the colors of a model into scale and into the real miniature world! 

Bright freshly painted rolling stock from the manufacturer looks “toy” like at best. Many folks are afraid to attempt aging or weathering a car. I have done this for decades using many techniques, but have now settled on air brush as my main medium. 

I once used many detailing techniques such as rust powder, pastels, agents to simulate cracked and peeling paints, etc. I found that these became works of art and much fun to produce................. BUT when assembled in a train, did not look that great. They soon became an overkill or better put, seemingly out of scale......at least for me. I have since developed a technique to simulate fading and to keep everything in scale, and using the fine art discipline..."less is best."

I now produce what I call a realistic and in scale subtle look which will blend in well with any train and does not fight the surrounding scenery for definition. I believe these photos will depict what I am doing.

Most cars are either Branchline, Intermountain, Red Caboose, Atlas, Genesis, or Kadee. Other manufactures such as Bowser, Walthers, and Accurail will be noted when used. I fashioned some cars from kits, others are RTR (ready to run). 

All cars have metal wheel sets….mostly Life Like. Most couplers are Kadee #5 and checked for proper operation in addition to wheelsets.

All cars are finished throughout including undersides. Couplers, wheels and truck frames are finished in proper rust/brown with flat lacquers.

Many cars have a light dusting on bottoms. 

I have added air lines on all hopper cars, and most cars have air hoses and cut levers…..greatly adding to the realism.

All of my pricing is usually around $10 above car price. This includes a custom high quality box with foam insert. Not a bad deal!!! Since I’m retired and have already made my fortune, I can enjoy doing what I love…even at $9 per hour! I do hope you enjoy these cars as much as I enjoy producing them. 

Discounts will be offered on multiple purchases.

More to come and all of these may be seen at The Great Scale Model Train Show in Timonium, MD.

Please check site for schedule www.gsmts.com.

Howard Zane