A locomotive still shining right out of the box will often not really seem like a real train. They just seem too spick and span. Even the most well kept real world train just doesn’t really look like a brand new toy train for long. I know that often when I look at a beginner’s model train layout, I will often look at the locomotives puffing through what is meant to be a dusty southwestern town or an old stone quarry and think, those locomotives look awful clean for locomotives that are meant to be fully operational in an environment like this. Often all that is needed is to add the kind of detail that suggests that these locomotives have really endured a beating. This is where model locomotive weathering and distressing comes in. Here’s how:
Start by putting together a model locomotive weathering tool belt:
There are three absolutely necessary tools for weathering. Paintbrushes, tiny sponges and a square of cloth are a good start. As you get better at model train weathering you may find other tools that will aid you in this process, but these will get you off to a good start.
Add crafts materials that are specific to the model locomotive weathering look that you are trying to achieve:
Ask yourself, “What look do I want for my train?” Sometimes it’s easy getting the look you want. Other times you have to really experiment with it. For example, you might find some printable decals on the internet that you can use to give authenticity to your train. Or you might add a patina of chalk or fine dust or powder to your train to make it seem as if it really has spent years going through that limestone quarry. There are lot’s of books and on-line articles that can give really helpful tips. Most issues of the two major model railroading magazines will usually include at least one article on detailing. In the end, you will just have to feel around for the effect you are looking for.
Find inspiration for your toy train weathering in period pictures:
A good thing to do is to keep on the lookout for pictures of actual locomotives from a period and place that matches the one that you have imagined. Photos from such articles will help you picture your locomotive “in your mind’s eye”. It helps to ask exact questions like what shade does navy blue become when exposed to Northwestern rain year and year? What pattern does the desert sun fade locomotives in? More faded on top or less so? Etc.
Finally, remember that weathering isn’t just for locomotives:
We enthusiasts often get hyper-focused on our trains to the exclusion of the rest of our layout. But our locomotives are only as impressive as the worlds they travel through. It doesn’t just rain on your trains and their tracks. The desert sun will fade the paint on houses and cars just as much as locomotives. That sort of eye for detail is one of the things that so captures our imagination in toy training.
Weathering takes an artistic touch. For this reason it is a great opportunity for including members of the family that may not have been interested in the mechanical/technical aspects of model training but that loves painting and other sorts of crafts. Their artistic touch will be invaluable to the success of your final set up. If your daughter has the dexterity to apply makeup while riding in a shaking car she can certainly detail your Santa Fe locomotive. If you your son can draw and color a perfect Sponge Bob, he can certainly add highlights to a roundhouse. Rustle them up and get them involved. It may be just the thing that helps create a family tradition and a cherished memory.
Here is more information on Model Railroad Track Plans. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.