Modellings tips and answers - weathering models - Videos

This week in history

On Monday 14th November 1994, the very first Eurostar service departed Waterloo International Station for Paris-Nord and then onward to Brussels South Station.  The initial services were limited until May 1995 when the regular daily service was introduced.  Over the years the service was further developed and has since run to various European destinations including Lille, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and a special skiers special to Moutiers in the Alps.

For many modellers, weathering is an essential part of their repertoire, allowing as it does a completed model to transition from a plastic kit to a realistic depiction of the subject matter after long exposure to the elements.  Weathering can be a very enjoyable and creative process that rewards the time taken with a highly realistic subject.  Many modellers learn the art of weathering through gradual processes, perhaps adding a light wash here and there or by dabbling experimentally with weathering powders for certain effects.  One of the considerable advantages with weathering is that it is so easy to do and being a highly subjective process, it becomes a very personal touch applied by the modeller.  In essence, each subject is unique and it is difficult to get it wrong.  If the intended effect is not as desired, simply remove it or paint over it and start again.

The hobby company Vallejo was originally established in the United States, supplying pigments to the film industry.  They soon relocated to Spain and subsequently developed a range of materials to support a number of hobby industries including the model industry.  One aspect of the modelmakers craft that Vallejo have always strongly supported is diorama construction.  For modellers looking to build complex or mixed substrates, Vallejo create a range of acrylic based materials that will help create dynamic and realistic surfaces.  The thick brown mud effect is supplied in a 200 ml container.  Likewise, the light brown thick mud and the European thick mud effects can be used to create a variety of surfaces and also add accumulations of surfaces materials to a model's wheels and other exposed surfaces.

Vallejo are also well known for their large selection of both brush and airbrush orientated acrylic paints.  Their model air weathering set is a good choice for beginners, as it includes 15 different colours and tones in a series of 17ml dispensing bottles, also included is a bottle of matt varnish.  For modellers looking to add a variety of weathering effects, the chipping essentials weathering set by AK Interactive will allow them to add a pleasing variety of tones in addition to acrylic colours.  The ubiquitous mix of colours provided plus  handy 'How to' guide will make this set useful for a wide range of subjects including railways, armour and aircraft modellers. The soil colours set by Mig offers a selection of three oil-based soil colours.  With their unique brush applicators, this set would be very useful for modellers looking to add weathering effects in those difficult to reach locations.

For those looking to add rusting effects to a model, the corrosion and rust weathering effects set by Hataka provides a useful selection of 6 different acrylic-based rust tones specifically optimised for airbrush.  This set will allow a modeller to blend a variety of rust effects that can easily be utilised on a wide selection of subjects.  For those who prefer oil-based paints, the rust tones oilbrusher set by Mig offers a number of advantages to modellers.  The specially configured brush-applicators allow modellers to reach awkward or tight confines easily, plus the dispenser-cleaner mechanism helps to optimise paint usage and simplifies clean up afterwards.  One weathering effect that can be difficult to replicate is that of verdigris.  With its distinctive colour, verdigris is a common effect on copper clad surfaces including roofs, luckily the verdigris blue set by ModelMates allows modellers to replicate this unique effect on a variety of surfaces.

Weathering interior surfaces and compartments can be a tricky effect to achieve.  Engine bays of vehicles often exhibit a wide variety of effects that can be difficult to replicate.  Luckily, the interior weathering set by AK Interactive allows a modeller to simply and effectively recreate a number of realistic effects such as oil streaks and accumulated grime in an engine or machinery compartment.  The winter weathering set by Vallejo is produced as a complete solution.  Designed for both Winter based models and dioramas, it contains a selection of 8 different colours, brushes and a sponge with a step-by-step guide for application.  One of the most effective of weathering effects to achieve is engine exhaust stains.  Although optimised for aircraft models, the exhaust stains weathering set by AK Interactive includes a selection of pigments and washes.  These could also be used singly or in combination in weathering a number of other subjects, including vehicles, armour and trains.

Weathering is a very useful process that allows a model to effectively mimic the weather-beaten appearance of vehicles, buildings and machinery that have had long-term exposure to the elements.  Many modellers start off with simple effects and develop their individual skills with subsequent models.  Weathering is also a highly subjective and personal choice, meaning that the level to which a subject is weathered is a matter of choice for the individual modeller.  Inspiration can be sought from a wide range of sources including reference books and the internet. 

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