Hi All

I have just purchased the model of 31131, but am looking to renumber it to 31289 and mirror its uncared for look towards the end of its career, is it only possible to do weathering and adding rust using just an airbrush (which I don't have), or can it be done using paint brushes and other tools, such as cocktail sticks with paint on them?
To do faded paintwork, what is the best option for that please?

Thanks
Paul

I like using weathering powders for general dust and rust effects in N. They're available under several brands, off the top of my head Humbrol and Tamiya come to mind. Google will find them for you.

This coach was done using a set of Carrs weathering powders which I've had for getting on for 20 years, still plenty left  just subtle rust effects on the chassis and dust on the bodyside etc.  I don't bother sealing the model afterward, if some wears off then never mind I can always re-apply.

Would you mask up the glazing? When using the Acrylic Varnish is it wise to remove glazing, or mask it up?

I'd definetely (at least) mask glazing. If I wanted the glazing weathered, I'd weather without* masking the glazing, then mask before laquering.

* For weathered cab windows, I'd mask the path of windscreen wiper blades before weathering.

thank you

I find weathering quite addictive in that weathered items looks so much more realistic and less toy like then nonweathered items - so much so, that the toyness of the nonweathered items will likely be accentuated.

There are so many different effects and so many techniques to achieving any given effect. I recommend buying one or a few cheap secondhand items and practising on them. Hope that helps.

thank you, given that N Gauge is so small, for detailing in rust patches, is it better to use a really, really small brush, or attempt it with a cocktail stick, still using the Humbrol Weathering Powders?
If you do the windscreens to show a clean section where the wipers run, how does the weathering and using varnish not fog up the glazing?

Quote from: dennisfalcon on June 18, 2021, 12:33:06 PM
given that N Gauge is so small, for detailing in rust patches, is it better to use a really, really small brush, or attempt it with a cocktail stick, still using the Humbrol Weathering Powders?

I use a small makeup brush or a cotton bud. I find a soft brush is better for picking up the powder and applying into crevices etc. (hence the makeup brush).  I doubt a cocktail stick would work as a tool for applying weathering powders.

I suggest you focus on dirtying and fading. Rust effects are easily overdone, especially in N.