Weather: Air brush essential?

An airbrush isn't essential, but it makes weathering a lot of stuff quick and easy. I use a Paasche Model H with dust-colored paint, and maybe a light dusting of dirt-colored along the bottom of the equipment. Makes things easier, especially for me since I like light weathering. Anything above that (i.e., requiring real work) brings in chalks and clear-coat and maybe even dry-brushed paint.

I don't have an airbrush, although I want one. 

I prefer the airbrush and combination of techniques.

you'll also use it for othe purposes besides weathering.

If those are the results you are getting without an AB, Mario, I'd say airbrushing is an option of diminishing returns.

Many people weather without an airbrush. Spray cans, chalk/powder, paster is all you need. I use an airbrush as part of the process because I don't use spray cans, not even for Dullcote. If you look around on YouTube, you'll find 100 different ways to do it, and they all have very good results. The more you do, the better you get.

Terry Danks posted:

If those are the results you are getting without an AB, Mario, I'd say airbrushing is an option of diminishing returns.

No argument here. That's some great work.

No airbrush on these diesels. I have one, but Bob turner probably the best there is uses a variety of techniques.

I prefer an airbrush over weathering powders or other methods I have tried.  But that's me.  Everyone has their comfort zone with weathering.

I prefer an airbrush personally, with some chalks added here and there, there isn't a right or wrong way....there's just different.  As stated everyone will find what they are comfortable with or what seems to work the best for them, we all have a different "eye" and as such take a different route or method.  Why not start out with chalks and see how it goes, learn the techniques and see if you are happy with the results, you may discover that the chalks give you the look your after.  Perhaps down the road you will decide you want to try your hand at air brushing, if so pursue it then.....for now start with chalks they are cheaper and fun to play around with.   

I found the Model Railroad Hobbyist Magazine DVD or download "Weathering with Mike Confalone, No Airbush Required" very informative. He turned me on to the Pan Pastel brand. They stick better than anything I have ever used and hold up better to Testors Dulcote.  I purchased some of the same brushes and the same Pan Pastels he used and was very happy with the results.  

Bill S. posted:

I found the Model Railroad Hobbyist Magazine DVD or download "Weathering with Mike Confalone, No Airbush Required" very informative. He turned me on to the Pan Pastel brand. They stick better than anything I have ever used and hold up better to Testors Dulcote.  I purchased some of the same brushes and the same Pan Pastels he used and was very happy with the results.  

Agreed. I have watched those videos several times. Mike did use an airbrush for all the Dullcoting but everything else was done without it. I started using pan Pastels awhile ago for the same reasons, and all my other powders went in the trash.

I never use a air brush for weathering. check out the weathering shop forums. have been a member there for a while. those guys are so good it's humbling

This unit is all without a air brush. 

Not my work. it is  the work of another member on there. but gives a great example of what can be done using a brush. 

Ron H posted:

No airbrush on these diesels. I have one, but Bob turner probably the best there is uses a variety of techniques.

I should've said Lee Turner.

Check out his work. Stunning!

I'm going to get the pastels Doug mentioned.

Ron, your efforts are impressive. Agreed, Lee Turner is the MAN!

Terry Danks posted:

Joe A.'s post has inspired me. I've only weathered one car so far. Not unhappy with it but not up to what Joe has done.

Any recommended guides? Do I have to buy an airbrush and learn how to use it?

Thanks Terry!  I'm just glad to hear that I inspired someone...LOL!  I've pretty much tried every popular weathering method over the 7 years or so that I've been doing it.  Like several others have stated above, I believe there is no single best method for everyone.  Each person should try to figure out what works best for him or her. 

To answer your question regarding an airbrush...

I do believe an airbrush is a very useful tool and would never discourage someone from purchasing one; however, it is by no means required to achieve satisfactory weathering results.  Although most of my weathering work has been done without an airbrush, I have used it from time to time.  Here a couple examples...

An airbrush was used on this pair of D&H diesels, but only as a first step in the weathering process to achieve an overall sun bleach/paint fade, and to add some "grime".  Everything after that first step was done by hand with acrylics, acrylic washes, pan pastels and oils.  I wanted these engines to look like they've been in service for several hard-working years without ever being washed!

No airbrush was used on this pair of D&H diesels...just hand-applied pan pastels, acrylics, acrylic washes and oils.  My goal here was to make these engines look just slightly newer/fresher and less faded than the pair above...

Thanks for the many replies. I have registered with The Weathering Shop. Not quite sure about buying Mike Confalone's videos yet. It's not the price. It's more the unfamiliar payment method.

Seems I can postpone an airbrush for a while. I've done a caboose with powders and washes. Not unhappy with it but it isn't up to what I see here.

Here is a weaver flat car deck I did. all brush. 

I use the brush fade method on my N scale equipment.

http://www.nscale.net/forums/s...eathering-Brush-Fade

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

I use an airbrush for applying Dullcote but everything else is primarily pan pastels and artist oils. I agree with those referencing Mike Confalone's weathering dvd, it's great and very helpful.

Joe

Terry Danks posted:

If those are the results you are getting without an AB, Mario, I'd say airbrushing is an option of diminishing returns.

Rattle cans, Testors dull coat, dry brushing, India ink washes and Pan Pastels. 

http://www.modelingcolors.com/...ailroader_weathering(nov-13).pdf 

Great work, everyone!

 Inspiration for those of us about to take up weathering. Another fun aspect of this hobby.