How to Paint Model Railroad Cars to Look Antique

Weathering gives a model rail car character and realism.

Weathering is the painting technique that model-railroad hobbyists use to give their rail cars a well-worn, realistic look. Modelers use it on modern and classic rolling stock, but when it's used on box cars and locomotives from the steam era, weathering can take shiny plastic cars and give them a rich character. That extra touch of detailing transforms a common off-the-shelf model into a well-worn showpiece from a bygone age.

Things You'll Need

• Testors Dullcote or similar lacquer
• Earth-tone acrylic or model paints
• Stiff-bristled brushes, small
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Shoe leather dye
• Dirt
• Gray and earth-tone chalk

Instructions

1. Spray on a very light coat of Testors Dullcote or similar lacquer to reduce the plastic shine of a rail car. Hold the can about 12 inches from the car so it sprays on almost dry. Spray two or three coats, letting the Dullcote dry between each spraying.

2. Apply a rust color on parts that represent metal protrusions from a freight car. Eric Hansmann, writing on the National Model Railroad Association website, explains that rust comes in many colors, but suggests mixing ochre, raw umber and a bit of white. Use a dry-brush technique: Barely dip the end of a stiff bristle brush into the paint, brush most of it off on a cardboard, then lightly color edges of grab irons, stirrup steps, ladders and door hardware. The effect is supposed to be rough and uneven.

3. Highlight the texture of the car, particularly a model of a wood-sided car, with washes to represent dirt and grime. The website Building Your Model Railroad calls for mixing one part Polly Scale paint to 10 parts airbrush thinner. Brush in the direction of the wood siding or door rails. You may need only one thin coat for a subtle effect, with the wash settling in crevices. Hansmann suggests using black or brown shoe leather dye mixed with isopropyl alcohol, in thin and weak concoctions depending on the desired effect, and sprayed on lightly with a pump bottle. He also uses a brush to dab the mixture along the roof line and lets it drip down, dabbing up the excess with paper towels.

4. Dust the car with earth-toned and gray chalk, or just some dirt from the yard, rubbing it into the car's sides. Brush off the excess.

5. Double-check the effects, and touch up highlights as needed. Weathering takes an artistic touch to create a satisfying look, but it's also a very forgiving technique.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment on cheap cars and take photos of real railroad cars to get ideas of the effects you want to mimic on your own rolling stock.

• Alcohol and some model paints may affect lettering on the cars. With the right touch in application, the effect can add to the overall weathering look.

• Use the Dullcote spray in a well-ventilated area or outside.

References

• National Model Railroad Association: Weathering Rolling Stock
• Building Your Model Railroad: Weathering Your Trains and Structures

Resources

• Trains.com