News from your model shop - 30th October 2022

Hello

There are several aspects to getting the desired look and feel for a layout or diorama.  For some modellers, it is as much about creating the scene elements as it is about operating the locomotives and rolling stock.  Creating scene elements inevitably involves defining a suitable landscape with appropriate buildings to complement the operation of the locomotives and rolling stock.  Blending theme elements of a layout's mobile and stationary aspects can add real visual impact.  For example, if the layout theme is a busy industrial scene with older buildings with weather and age-related decay then having suitably weathered locomotives and rolling stock can really help add a realistic impression.

Many manufacturers provide a large range of pre-weathered locomotives and rolling stock in order to help to achieve this look.  For example, in OO Gauge, we have Bachmann's weathered BR Black Early Class 3000 (ROD) , ably complemented by the composite corridor coach in crimson and the SR 25T 'Queen Mary' brake van by the same company.  These three items aim to produce that weather-beaten look associated with machinery that has been plying its trade in all weathers.



Likewise in N Gauge, we have a range of similar options for weathered items including the Class 22 BR Blue by Dapol. This veteran presents an impressively weathered visage of a reliable workhouse used to hard work in all weathers.  Likewise, for rolling stock, we have the suitably weary MBA Megabox high-sided Bogie box wagon from Graham Farish and the NR-48M Brake Van, in LMS Grey by Peco.  These items exemplify the options for weathered units that will inevitably help to add that day-by-day realism that so many modellers find appealing.



For many modellers, some of the fun of creating scene elements can be producing their own, DIY weathering effects.  Luckily, there is a wide variety of products by a range of manufacturers to help cater for this requirement.  For example, the Steam Locomotive weathering set by Vallejo is a great place to start as it contains a good selection of options for oils, rust, dirt and other weathering effects.  Also included in the set is a series of mixing palettes and brushes, making it an ideal place to start for beginners.  Although aimed at a German customer base this set can easily be used on a layout of any nationality.  Similarly, the Basic Weathering Set by AK Interactive allows a modeller to create simple but effective weathering effects on a range of rolling stock and also scene elements such as buildings.  Intriguingly, the Fast method Railway paint set by Mig specifically allows modellers to suitably weather the track and track bed to help create yet another aspect of weathering that can easily be overlooked.



Similarly to the Railway fast method paint set by Mig, the Rusty Rail Track Painter by Woodland Scenics can be very effective in adding realistic weathering effects to rails and associated sleepers, especially those already in place on an established layout.  Depending on how they are used, Track Painters may drastically reduce electrical conductivity from rails, so care may have to be exercised in their use.  The Locomotive & Wagon and the  Rolling stock Weathering Sets by AK Interactive offer a mix of washes and pigments options to add variety to the overall weathering effect options for a layout.



For those modellers who wish to create more bespoke weathering effects, there are a number of options out there.  Crackle Medium by Vallejo allows modellers to produce cracks in painted surfaces.  This can be highly effective on buildings or alternatively as scene effects such as dried mud.  Similarly, Liquid Mask can be used between coats of paint, allowing underlying effects such as rust to seep through.  This can produce stunning weathering effects, especially when used with washes and paints and also when utilised with pigments such as the Rust and Corrosion set for more layered weathering effects.  These can really enable layout and scene elements to really 'pop' and create a stunning visual showpiece.  The beauty of weathering is that it is a skill set that applies equally across a wide range of modelling disciplines and a wide range of scales and gauges.  It is also an aspect of modelling where beginners can easily and quickly create stunning visual effects that mimic the real world so well.  The items above represent just a small part of the options available to any modeller, ably supported by a wide range of products supplied by leading manufacturers in their field.  Why not incorporate some weathering effects on your next layout or modelling project?

• Are there any issues with weathering the rails on my layout ?
• What are the benefits of a multiple grit sanding stick?
• What is a feathered edge and how can I create one whilst painting with an airbrush?
• How big should a tree be in 28mm?
• What is the largest radius set track curve for N gauge?

• How can I learn where to place my signals?
• Is satin paint the same as Semi-Gloss?
• What is the difference between modern image and present day?
• What is the dome for on a steam locomotive?
• What is a servomotor?

• Perry Miniatures WR40 Mounted Men at Arms 1450-1500 in 28 mm
• Microscale MSSET & MSSOL Micro Set & Micro Sol
• Airfix J6046 Quickbuild D-Day P-51 Mustang Fighter Plane
• Preiser 10588 Armed Robbery Cameo Set HO gauge
• Peco NB-55 Turntable in N Gauge

You can access all the unboxing videos by visiting this page or simply click on the link called "videos" on our website.