CP 8727
Talk about a project that has been hanging over me for a while! When I first started following Athearn's monthly project releases almost two years ago, these models caught my eye and became a "must have." CP grain and oil trains are commonly seen running over the Cascade Sub and so Athearn's newest run of CP ES44's were the perfect choice to continue building my roster.
I recevied this model in the fall of 2020 and it finally hit the rails in the summer of 2021, serving dutifully before its appointment at the weatheirng shop. I started the process of fading and intial grime layers in August, but the project was put on hold as I relocated for the fall. Once my workbench was set back up, the serious weathering effort began again!
The model is weathered using my preferred method of acrylic washes. I did not use an airbrush, preferring the control and precision of brushes. To fade the model and add grime layers, I built up thinned washes of paint, drying each before applying the next with a hairdryer.
One key to success with this method is a good covering of Dullcote. This allows the washes to grab and stay put on the model. I will often apply multiple coats to ensure that coverage is adequate before applying the washes. The second key is to work in small areas with very light washes. Admittedly this makes the weathing process much more time consuming, but it is time well spent. I end up spending less time wrestling with an unruly wash and make less mistakes!
I used the acrylic wash technique to add grime as well. The main colors for this model were raw umber and a dirty gray-tan. The tan provided a nice dusty effect commonly seen on CP units. Detail work was done with some drybrushing effects and powders. Finally the model was sealed with another coat of Dullcote. Before being put into service again, I will replace the couplers with metal KD's, paint and clean the wheels, and ensure the decoder is programmed appropriately. Look for this unit to be hauling oil and grain up The Hill soon!
BKTY 150572
My original intent was to enter this model in Athearn's weatheirng contest last April, however I missed the deadline significantly. Regardless, this model was a challenging and engaging project.
I again started with my usual process of fading and grime layers with acrylic washes. I then used acrylic paint to apply rust detail. For depth and interest, I used both burnt sienna and burnt umber for the rusting effects. Rust streaking was done with burnt sienna oils and thinner.
I tried a few new techniques on this model as well. First, I added hazes of rust and grime with oils. I applied small amounts of oil paint to the model and then feathered the paint with a dry brush to create a haze. I used this effect on the doors and under the roof sill. Additionally, I used graffiti decals instead of hand painting. I have mixed feelings, but pleased to add this effect into my toolbox for certain applications. It certainly was a lot less labor intensive and the result is not too bad.
ABOX 52237
I have become a big fan of Athearn's Prime for Grime schemes and this ABOX car (and its twin, which I apparently neglected to photograph) were great starting points for two modern additions to the fleet.
Breaking from my trend of acyclic washes, I faded these models and applied intial grime layers with the airbrush. Next, I used burnt umber oil paint to apply grime along all the seams and panel lines. I essentially "scrubbed" the paint into the seams and crevices of the model and cleaned the excess of with thinner. This technique is a very easy way to add depth. The door was weathered similarly and received a layer of drybrushing. Rust and graffit was hand painted with acryclics.
Really pleased with how these models turned out!
ARMN
A modern layout is not complete without some reefers rolling around the rails and the Cascade Sub is no exception! Weathering on this Atlas model was very simple and fast. First, I applied graffiti using decals on both sides of the model. Next, I sealed the entire model with a few coats of Dullcote and applied a burnt umber wash to add a hint of grime and knock down the stark white look. Finally, I added some rust streaking effects along the door track with oils and thinner. In a matter of hours this car was ready for service.
DGRW
Like white reefers, modern layouts need a good supply of plain gray covered hoppers. These filler cars are in no way the star of the show, but go a long way to making a manifest train look complete. To weather this model, I mainly used the airbrush and oils. Fading and initial grime layers were done with the airbrush. I then applied a black-brown oul pin wash to exentuate the details. Finally, I applied subtle streaking effects with oils and thinner. A few small graffiti tags were hand painted.
My big push to weather the entire fleet continues into 2022 with a special focus on centerbeams, woodchip cars and locomotives. These models are essential elements to include on my cast of characters for the Cascade Sub. Stay tuned!
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