Weathering Locomotives

boin106,

 

I'm really glad that Sasquatch replied to your post. He and I have access to two of the absolute FINEST custom painter/weatherer guys in the entire midwest. Since both guys who do the weathering work off prototype photos of the specific locomotives that are to be weathered, the end result is stunning. As someone who has worked in the "steam locomotive" business for more than 50 years, I pretty well know just what gets dirty/greasy and mineral deposits covered on the real thing. 

 

There are great differences in just what "gets dirty" between many different railroads, and the water quality they used. Many differences in coal quality also made noticeable differences in "weathering", and of course you model the Southern Pacific which used oil as fuel, which also made visual differences.

 

Hope things work out for with Sasquatch.

I too would be interested, but why are YOUR two finest painters such a top secret? Wouldn't it serve them well to simply post there info here on the forum? 

I am not at liberty to divulge, nor offer their services, without THEM coming on line and doing such. Both guys do work for themselves & friends, and may not want to be overwhelmed. No "top secret" about it, just simple business curtesy. 
 

Do it yourself.  Norm Charbonneau shows you how in a bonus section in TM Books & Video's Hi-Rail Layouts, Part 4.  The results he achieves look great!

I am with Allan.  Anybody who says they can weather a locomotive for under $200 as a business is going to go broke and starve to death.  I bet their buddy does it as a favor or a hobby, and that is why he does not advertise.

 

You need powdered chalk, a jar of dullcote and appropriate thinner, an airbrush, and some Floquil weathered black.

 

Chalk wipes off - you can have some fun at no risk.  Dullcote fixes it, but also diminishes its effect.

 

All opinion.

I bet their buddy does it as a favor or a hobby, and that is why he does not advertise.

While you maybe right, there is an ac-9 on eBay right now for 2300 that looks like its on a familiar layout. Though it has some other mods, I picked my stock ac-9 up for around 800. Either the mods cost a lot more than I suspect or someone is not just weathering trains for beer and pizza. Now will he get 2300$? That remains to be seen. If you would care to have your friend contact me I will surely keep it confidential. Gregj410@yahoo.com

Not to take food (money) from the pro's....but try it....you'll like it.

This is my first loco I weathered. I'd done 8-10 cars but just jumped in on this loco. A little scary...but I am really happy with it. I followed Rich's Black Diamond DVD II instructions.

Can we get back to Matt's question? Who does "Weathering of Locomotives". Don

I agree. I also think $200 for a professional quality, prototypical weathering job is a bargain. I don't mind messing around with my inexpensive locos, but when the time comes to have my MT-5 weathered I'm going to pay the price to have it done professionally. "Maybe" I could do an OK job myself but I'm not willing to risk screwing up a $2K locomotive just so I can say I did it myself.

 

Cheers,

Ken

Okay. Contact Harry Heike.  I believe he advertises.  Do not be surprised if the fee is close to double what I mentioned above.

Check out weathering station he did a few engines for Ben of NJ Highrailers I saw at Trainstock back in January and hs work is exceptional!! Considering having a few engines done by him for myself.

 

www.weatheringstaion.com

I agree with Bob2 that Harry Hieke does weathering, building, and painting as a profession. Harry can usually do a rather quick turnaround on weathering.

His website is www.everythingoscale.com I believe.

I'm in the "do it yourself" camp.   

 

Start with chalks on less expensive cars.   Work your way on those until you are happy with your results.   Then move to a lessor detailed engine etc etc.   Saving the expensive, highly detailed stuff for last.

 

The thing I like about chalks is if you are totally unhappy with it you can wash them off.   Once I am happy with how it looks I spray it with dull coat.   This makes the chalks more of a forever thing.  Until the dull coat spray you can undo it.

Something as simple as a dull coat application and then a dusting of grimmy black.
Application of a Satin finish before decals.  Decal gloss has a pretty good chance of matching the satin finish.





Application of dull coat and grimmy black.

Matt, before you commit to a painter I'd suggest seeing samples of his/her work. Everyone has a different opinion of what is good weathering. I would try and get as many photographs, color preferably, of the prototype you can find to work off of. Also if you are weathering steam the weathering would vary by type of service and era. Crack passenger locos in the '30s were cleaned regularly. By the '50s most had signs of neglect. 

 

Pete

If you want weathering contact Steve C of weathering station  He is a forum member and his handle is corsair29.   You don't have to get a permission note from your mother to talk to him either  Does great work

Industrialmodels.net or do it yourself and have fun. They still run on three rails.

I bet everyone was anxiously awaiting THAT comment!!!