1:13.7 Plymouth TLC loco

[billmart]

I have been scratch building a Plymouth TLC for several years.  (It's just one of many long-term projects I have on the shelf.)  I'm finally to the painting phase.  My plan is to have a light gray frame with dark green body.  I want the loco to look as though it has been used, but well cared for -- dusty and dirty, with some ares of wear, but not a rusty hulk.  I hereby solicit your advice for how to proceed with weathering the frame.  Please be aware that I have little in the way of artistic talent, and I don't want this one project to take 50 hours to paint and weather.  It's destined for use on my outdoor railway.

Looking forward to your suggestions.

Bill Martinsen

[darrylhuffman]

Wow!!

Looks great to me.

Looking forward to the finished loco.

I can't think of why it would take 50 hours to paint and weather.

Weathering is my favorite part of anything to do with locomotives.

Darryl Huffman
darrylhuffman@yahoo.com

[lab-dad]

That thing is dead sexy!!!!!!!
I love 4 wheel Plymouths.
Would love to see more of the in progress.
There are so many ways to go with the weathering.
Maybe just some chips with vallejo german camo brown.
And some fading with artists oils.
Followed with some powders, oil & rst stains. .....
Marty

[billmart]

Darryl and Martin -  Thanks for the kind words.  I haven't taken many in progress photos, but this one will show you what the TLC looks like.

Martin - I've never tried to add chipping effects with a paint brush.  Perhaps it's time I learned how to do that.  Any suggestions on placement of said paint spots?

Darryl - Will you be attending the NNGC in the Seattle area in about a month?

Bill M.

[Chuck Doan]

That is georgeous! Beautiful construction.

[billmart]

Thanks, Chuck.  Coming from you, that means a lot to me.

In general, I do OK with making and assembling parts to produce a nice model, but I have a lot to learn when it comes to weathering. 

Bill Martinsen

[Chuck Doan]

I am jealous of being able to use real nuts and bolts for a model. They look just right.

I wouldn’t know where to start painting a big project like this. I seem to recall one of the Annuals had an article on two similar prototype locos. They were painted yellow and were not heavily weathered. Might be a good reference point.

[lab-dad]

Martin - I've never tried to add chipping effects with a paint brush.  Perhaps it's time I learned how to do that.  Any suggestions on placement of said paint spots?

First off look at real locos and see where the chips happen.
Likely are places with constant or normal contact.
Scratches can also be done with he Vallejo.
I was also thinking there should be some shiny wear spots where the operator would grab on and step.
These can be done with a graphite pencil to give the dark steel color.
I have recently discovered the MIG weathering pigment dark steel and really like it.

At least by using acrylic if you dont like it you can remove it!

-Marty

[Barney]

This is perfection of the highest - after seeing this little plymouth chassis my 1/16 scale Narrow gauge chassis hit the bin big time - thinking of tacking up stamp collecting
lovely workmanship -just keep it coming .
Barney
busy collecting new nuts / bolts and rivets and a new sheet of plastic card for a restart !

[billmart]

Thanks for the suggestions, gentlemen.  I've decided not to begin the weathering process until I have the second issue of The Weathering Magazine in my hands.  It's going to cover Dust, Dirt, and Earth.  I really enjoyed the first issue on Rust.

In the meantime, I'm going to try some small weathering experiments.  I've got to start somewhere!

Bill Martinsen