Harry Heike weathers VL BB

Looks great! I'm slowly weathering my fleet, but I have not yet summoned up the courage to weather any of my Vision Line engines. I don't think I could bring myself to do it...unless maybe I had 2 of the same engine or something. Now that I think about it, though, I have 2 of the GE Hybrids and 2 of the CP Hybrids and they aren't weathered. So I guess I just don't have it in me...yet.

-Eric Siegel

WOW. Did he do anything to the cab or figures?

Harry is a master at weathering engines, or for that matter, anything else O-Gauge related. This Big Boy is no exception.

It is nice to see such an asset to our hobby get the recognition he deserves.

Not in my opinion. Being pretty familiar with UP steam power, especially using the water west of Cheyenne, there should be much more light colored water deposits from the turret area. Just look at all the color photos of UP steam power from the late 1940s through the mid 1950s, and you will see what I mean.

Very well done........

After I finish my FEF-1, my next quick project will be weathering my VL BB.

It'll be a very light, early, in service look.  

Kudos to you for not being afraid to paint this beast.  

Balls of depleted uranium! I've got two VL BBs and I don't think I could do it. One question though, where did you get the background border? looks really good. I thought the trees were models for a second and then realized how close the track is to the wall. Is it the photos or does it look that good in person?

Eric,

I too do not have the nerve to weather my VL or 3rd Rail engines. That's why I turn to Harry For the ones I don't want screwed up. He usually charges around $130 per engine, for the BB it was $180. Each time it has taken the engine to a whole new level.

Zett,

See pictures below.

Hot Water,

The western heavy water issue was exactly the second thing Harry brought up in discussing how I wanted my engine to look. He stated the engine would be heavy with water stain. I reviewed photos and decided it was not the look I wanted. Another good thing about Harry, he works with you to achieve what you want. He is not a prototype fanantic but can go there if you wish!

Hope everyone had a great 4th!

JohnJr

I understand that.  After all, it's your model and you deserve to get what you want. Congrats.

Winston,

The backdrop really does look that good in person. It's a scene out of Leadville, Colorado where my grandparents met, fell in love and had my father ninety six years ago.

Purchased through Backdrop Warehouse, great products but rather difficult people to deal with. All in all, worth the hassle and the price due to the fact that everyone always comments on how much they love it!

Best,

JohnJr

"Not in my opinion. Being pretty familiar with UP steam power, especially using the water west of Cheyenne, there should be much more light colored water deposits from the turret area. Just look at all the color photos of UP steam power from the late 1940s through the mid 1950s, and you will see what I mean."

Jack, Harry was asked what the CLIENT WANTED and delivered just that. If the client is happy, that is all that really counts. Whether you like it or not, makes little difference to the guy paying the bill. Did you consider this?

No, I did not consider that, since the original poster stated, "I asked him to weather it to look well cared for and heavily used towards the end of its career.". I mistakenly thought that the original poster new what UP steam locomotives looked like towards the end of their careers, when they were "heavily used".

Sorry to offend you.

That looks really good.  Weathering IMHO adds so much to the trains, and seems to bring them to life...nicely done.

"Sorry to offend you."

No offense taken at all. I know Harry well enough that he goes way out of his way to please his clients.

Amazing. It looks better than off the line by Lionel

Chris,

Could not not agree with you more! IMO the difference between a nicely weathered engine and a non-weathered engine is the difference between night and day. Come to think about it, weathering rolling stock, track, buildings, cars, streets and side walks and land scape make such a huge difference to any layout. 

Its one of the great aspects of our hobby that, when done well, is a true art. I'm still practicing and will be for many years to come!!

Best,

JohnJr

Sent my BB to Harry yesterday, before he gets to many weathering jobs.......

"Sent my BB to Harry yesterday, before he gets to many weathering jobs......."

Not to mention all of those GCT Bases (small and large) he is also doing. 

I can't imagine how busy he must be, it takes a lot of time to do quality jobs. 

DWGTRAIN, please post your BB when it's back. 

Actually from the time my BB arrived at Harry's to the time he had it coming back to me on priority delivery was less than 48hrs!

He has been the main engine weatherer for both Lionel and MTH long enough that he knows how to whip them out while not sacrificing quality work.

The more I look at my BB the happer I am!!

JohnJr

Let's see it!

86TA355SR,

Look above, first post!

Well done.  Looks used a bit.  I like it.

OOOPPSS...thought it was DWGTRAIN who said that.

Max Gray SP 4-10-2 detailed and weathered by Harry Hieke....

A real nice modified Max Gray locomotive!  Lots of nice details added.  I really like it.