Activity › Forums › Customization and Modding › Weathering & Detailing Techniques | Achieve Realism in Model Trains › From Factory Fresh to Track-Worn: How Do You Weather Your Models? › Reply To: From Factory Fresh to Track-Worn: How Do You Weather Your Models?
There’s nothing quite like a well-weathered model to make a scene feel alive and lived-in.
For me, it’s all about layering techniques. I usually start with a light airbrush fade to tone down the factory shine—often a mix of tan and gray to simulate sun bleaching. Then I’ll hit panel lines and rivets with a wash to bring out details, followed by dry brushing for worn edges.
Weathering powders are my go-to for the finishing touch—especially around the trucks and underframe. I use a mix of AK Interactive and PanPastels. For rust and grime, I sometimes dab on sponge chipping or use oil paints thinned with mineral spirits to get streaks just right.
My favorite reference? Old railfan photos and shots from the ’70s and ’80s—those tired boxcars and grimy switchers are pure inspiration. I also keep a folder of photos from real yards and sidings. Nothing beats nature’s weathering guide!
I lean more toward the “medium grime” look—enough to show wear, but not so far gone that it looks abandoned (unless that’s the goal, of course!).
Would love to see others’ processes or hear what products you swear by. Let’s see those gritty masterpieces!