Sources for weathering chalk

This is a popular set on Micromark (click).

There is another set with grays and blacks on their website along with several other brands offering sets.

You will find that there are weathering powders (crushed chalk) and weathering pigments. The pigments cling to the surface better and can resist some handling without overcoating.

Tester's Dullcote is the traditional overcoating, but you will find that it almost makes the chalks disappear. You will have to keep dusting and spraying until you build up enough weathering to be visible. The pigments are more resistant to the spray.

Many find that the spray isn't necessary if the item is to be handled carefully.

The Bragdon set in Terry's link below is a good set of pigments that I use often. (Thanks, Terry )

You will find that some surfaces require a light spray of Dullcote first to give the powders or pigments something to hold on to.

Jim

http://www.bragdonent.com/weather.htm

Pan Pastels...stick better and available from Amazon Prime. Get the 2 sets... black/greys and the rust/grime set

Even if you could find individual sticks, you will likely find that you will pay as much for the ones you need as you would for the whole set.

Also, don't be so quick to give away the odd colors. They have their uses. A little bit of bright powders can add texture and character to trees, shrubbery, rocks, earth, roads, roofs and much more. Don't overdo it, but a bit of subtle contrast can really make a scene pop.

 I use the Bragdon powders. I get them from   www.minutemanscalemodels.com     I use Scalecoat flat as a prep for the powders. Then seal them when done. With the chalks you have to build them up in layers. As mentioned when you seal them up with a flat spray you tend to lose some of the effect. I only use an airbrush to seal the powders. I try to run it on the lowest pressure that allows you till still get a decent spray. Sometimes on the initial coat of flat to prep for the powders. I add a little grime or loco black to tone down the engine or car. I like using Scalecoat 1. It seems to dry a little slower and gives the powders something to grab.

Thank you all for these suggestions.  I assumed there had to be stuff out there, just a case of knowing what it is and sources.  I know there is at least one OGR article on weathering.  I have several weathered Menards cars which certainly look more realistic, so we will weather more Menards cars for the low price. while keeping the high priced Atlas, MTH, Lionel items pristine for resale after I have gone to that great loco in the sky.

Can weathering be done at a high level only using chalk or chalk dust (that can be easily removed)?

Tan chalk dust showing some running after leaving paint shop.

Blue and tan dust to replicate running in the southwestern states and being cut out before the train is sent to the wash rack.

Chalk dust is easily removed.  May be wiped off with a damp cloth or body of car may be removed from chassis and washed with a mild soap, rinsed and dried.  John in Lansing, ILL