Activity › Forums › Customization and Modding › Weathering & Detailing Techniques | Achieve Realism in Model Trains › Subtle vs. Heavy Weathering — Where Do You Draw the Line? › Reply To: Subtle vs. Heavy Weathering — Where Do You Draw the Line?
Personally, I tend to start with light weathering—dusty trucks, a little roof grime, some faded decals—and then I either stop there or get brave and start layering in rust and streaks. It’s a fine line between “authentically grimy” and “accidentally overcooked.”
I almost always pull up prototype photos before I start. It’s amazing how different two similar cars can look depending on their use or region. Some look nearly pristine even after years in service, while others look like they’ve been through a warzone.
That said, there’s something really satisfying about a car that looks like it’s earned its keep. I’ve got a few “abandoned siding” pieces too—broken planks, peeling paint, heavy rust—and they add so much storytelling to the layout.
Curious to hear how others balance realism and aesthetics. Anyone else have that one weathering job they wish they could undo… or one that came out better than expected?