| Many people enjoy setting up model railroads as a | | | | rusting or weather damage naturally occurs. For |
| hobby that is both challenging and relaxing. There | | | | example, since dust and dirt work their way up |
| is the process of visualizing and planning, and the | | | | from the ground as they are kicked up, the |
| actual building. Once you have been through all of | | | | 'earthy' colors of dirt should be applied more |
| these steps and you are ready to add a bit of | | | | heavily at the bottom of the wagon and then |
| character and realism to your town and your | | | | become lighter and more streaked towards the |
| trains, there are many different things you can | | | | top. Also the ends of the wagon, which are most |
| do. One of the best tools for creating a vintage | | | | exposed to the weather will probably be dirtier. |
| look is model train weathering powder. Because | | | | Because rust changes colors as it is exposed to |
| trains are exposed to the elements 24 hours a | | | | weather over time, you may want to use several |
| day, most likely every day of the year, naturally | | | | different 'rust' shades on the same wagon. You |
| they will be dirty, rusty and faded. The same can | | | | can apply these powders using an artist's brush |
| be said of many buildings or structures that have | | | | with stiff bristles or even a wedge sponge |
| metal components. | | | | (generally used for cosmetics). Keep in mind that |
| Weathering powder is a chemical powder that | | | | rust often washes down the side of the wagon |
| comes in a wide variety of colors from rust to | | | | as a result of rain or other precipitation, so having |
| black, gray and everything in between. Each | | | | rust on the top and then streaking it downwards |
| manufacturer will give specific directions for use | | | | will create the most realistic effects. |
| of the powder, but for the most part the easiest | | | | Model train weathering powder can be used to |
| method of application is to combine the desired | | | | age or color anything in your model railroad town; |
| amount of powder with a small amount of | | | | old buildings, water towers, you name it. You can |
| non-aerosol hairspray. The hairspray will serve to | | | | find model train weathering powder anywhere |
| secure the powder in place. You can mix different | | | | that sells model train supplies, such as your local |
| colors to create a custom palette. Another trick | | | | or chain hobby stores or online retailers that |
| for making more realistic 'rust' is to mix the | | | | specialize in model trains. If you do choose to |
| powder with thick white school paste. This 'paste' | | | | shop online, keep in mind that you will not be able |
| can be dabbed or put on with a brush to make a | | | | to see the merchandise in person before buying |
| flakier type of rust that works particularly well in | | | | it- so have in mind a clear idea of what you are |
| wheels. In order to create a more realistic look, | | | | looking for before you start shopping. |
| you may wish to consider the patterns in which | | | | |