Weathering the junk load for MTH’s gondola cars

You talking about this load? I would use acrylics thinned down with a little water. Mix dark browns and a little black. Let it dry and go from there. The nice thing about acrylic paint is you can wash it off and start over if necessary.

I gave my gondola load away. I didn't think it looked realistic (it looked too phony to me) and the only way I could think to make it look realistic would be to paint each individual piece inside the mold differently. Otherwise, I thought it looked like one homogeneous load... which is what the casting was.

I have seen several examples of weathered junk/scrap inserts, and it really changes the whole look. I've never done it myself, as I have made scrap loads from various real materials of both plastic and metal. I'm sure there will be other replies with advice and photos, since there are members here who have posted before.

Here's the RK load weathered a while back with enamel "rust" and acrylic paints.  My main complaint is that it is a steam era load and I prefer more modern scrap such as roller bearings, side frames, and prime mover parts.

Here's a custom scrap load I made in a Premier gondola.  The base is XPS foam, painted brown, with a few layers of real rusted metal glued on top.  The metal came from some rusted out running boards. 

@ESPEE 8722 posted:

Here's a custom scrap load I made in a Premier gondola.  The base is XPS foam, painted brown, with a few layers of real rusted metal glued on top.  The metal came from some rusted out running boards.

Nice! I've made similar loads, except I use 1/4" luan plywood with legs appropriately sized so the load sits at a desired height. 1st load is band saw cuttings, 2nd is rusted metal. These are glued with urethane floor finish.

Many ideas on my photo site. Done about 15. Be sure to remove the black metal plate under the car to lighten the weight. Plate was never necessary for 3r gons and flats.

Here's a few of mine. I weather and add a little more junk, so they don't all look alike.