How to Weather Model Railroad Tank Cars

How to weather model railroad tank cars. Next in my series on weathering rolling stock I show you how to use an airbrush to get a very realistic weathered look on your tank cars.
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[@user-bw8ef3cy6r]

I learned so much watching this show. I will watch it again several times to make sure that I get all the great information that I need to know. I have been trying to figure out how to figure out how to do all this super information for a long time. Know I know where go expand my knowledge on trains. All this time and I am only 72 years old. Never too old to learn. Thanks for the help! I am looking forward to watching a lot more of your videos.

[@jtmonsman]

“As I approach a thousand”…. Looks down…. 45.9 k!!!!!! Says a lot about your content! I love it here. See you at 50,000

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks. I'm pretty excited about that 50k mark. It won't be long.

[@shawnleih2916]

Thank you very on the tanks 😊

[@billbarnes8192]

I like your idea of the jig have used tape before, then I have turned wheels into loads for my gondolas both as wheel sets and removing wheels from their axels either for resurfacing or junking them

[@metaz69u]

Well Done

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@dacuzzz]

hi Ron... those tank cars look awesome... i like you home made tools very cool... thanks for sharing.. vinny

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+bnsf6951 Thanks, Vinny. I am huge on any tool/jig I can make myself. Creativity is the #1 reason I'm in this hobby. 👍

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

Ron, this is another great video. It should be very helpful when I finally get around to weathering my rolling stock. By the way, congratulations on winning my 1,000-subscriber contest. I've just uploaded a video so announcing. Thanks for suggesting a great video idea. I love your layout and your channel. ...Roy

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+N-Scale Union Pacific Evanston Subdivision Wow, cool. Thanks for letting me know. I look forward to watching the video tonight.

[@OhioCentralModeler]

I have junk plastic wheelsets I swap onto cars temporarily during weathering. Stole them off some ancient Tyco and Bachmann cars in my scrap box.

[@ATSFVentaSpurNscaler]

Congratulations, Ron, on winning Roy's 1000 subscriber contest in his KZbin channel "N-Scale Union Pacific Evanston Subdivision". This weathering video is very helpful. Your tips make the weathering process on tank cars look easy. Thanks for sharing your how-to ideas. -from Tom Pilling

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+ATSF Venta Spur Nscaler Thank you, Tom, and thanks for watching.

[@Mercatoyd]

this was a very cool video.. you made this look very easy.. Tom

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, Tom. It really isn't too difficult if you have some basic airbrushing skills--practice, practice, practice--and work slowly--patience, patience, patience.

[@Railroadin818]

Your weathering is spot on, Great job! It seems like most model railroaders tend to over weather, cars look like the were sitting on the bottom of the ocean for a few years.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks. I try to vary my weathering. I have a few of those ocean lines, but mostly not and some just faded like new cars just a few months on the line. Variety is the name of the game.

[@hntrains2]

You are resourceful, creative, and thorough - mixed with patience and skill, these are qualities which make one the builder you want to learn from or employ.

[@hntrains2]

As a comment on the video: I would add a before image and an after image together (perhaps best, one on top of the other) for people to easier see the difference. (I open the video in two separate windows to compare... Still, not good enough: the cars should be taken pictures of in the same environment and lighting conditions. And that is exactly why I am suggesting the before-and-after combo by the author himself.)

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+hntrains Thank you. Thanks for watching.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+hntrains That is a good idea. Thanjs.

[@billvassar7473]

thanks Ron, now i will have to dig out my air brush and compressor and try your method of weathering.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+Bill Vassar Awesome. Let me know how it goes

[@juliusjames5577]

Good info here and good results!

[@jacko9759]

RON, THANKS for another good video on weathering, any night but Wednesday as that's the night I go to train club meeting and Saturdays the day I go to San Diego layout and run trains on the big layout down there, & great idea for Roy's to let on how he got things going for his layout, thanks again. ...

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks for the input, Jack. So far most of the opinion seem divided between Saturday mornings and Sunday evenings, but nothing is decided yet.

[@jerrysmith410]

Your paint rack is an interesting idea. Holding models while painting them can be a challenge.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, this works pretty well for most cars, and it is dirt cheap. That is always a plus with me.

[@miccacarry6803]

Ron I don't model in N scale, but a great tutorial or how to weather your rolling stock. I believe less is actually more, when weathering.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+Micca Carry I use a variety of weathering on my rolling stock, but the majority are lightly weathered. Modeling the modern era, that is what I see in prototype class 1s--a few old beat up cars and a lot that look like they've been on the rails 3-5 years or less.

[@joleenaycock592]

This was a fantastic video and weathering job! I have really only been using paint dry brush and chalk for my weathering jobs because 1. I don’t have and airbrush and 2. They frighten me a little and need cleaning apparently. But after seeing how easy it is and how wonderful an effect if offers. I think I’ll get one and try it for myself! But I’ll have to watch videos on cleaning the airbrush!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I was intimidated by airbrushed for a long time until I got one and practiced a bit. Now I love it. BTW, here is the cleaning video you're looking for: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6muk35tj7RgaZY

[@ralphgreenwood5857]

Great Video Ron!! I like the way you used the bamboo skewers-I mean N scale uncoupling tools-lol..The tankers look great!! As far as my schedule goes, most evenings around 8 or 9 pm should work, but if I miss I will watch later. Congratulations on winning Roy's contest!!!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+Ralph Greenwood thanks so much for watching and for commenting. Roy's shout-out was a pleasant surprise today. That was a lot of fun and I look forward to his video.

[@dexterdog62]

I'm your 917th subscriber! Found your videos from watching Roy's channel. Haven't had time to watch a lot of your content yet, but from what I can see you're doing a great job, informative content with nice presentation. 1000 subscribers isn't far off!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Welcome aboard, Dexter. Yes, I appreciate very much Roy's wonderful shout-out. I am planning a 1,000 subscriber contest of my own, and it has caused me to need to accelerate my plans for that with the jump in subscribers, but hey, that is a really great problem to have. Thanks so much for watching and subscribing.

[@mlkesimmons758]

Thanks for making it look easy.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for watching. 👍

[@MMRails]

Great how-to video Ron. I'm going to forward this to my brother. He'll love your trademarked "holder" for the tank car. Mmm.. shish kabob. -Mark

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, it works great. Just don't leave it on the floor to step on. LOL. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@BigPete7407]

Nice job Ron! Thank you for the instructions .

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you so much. I hoped it wasn't too long. I usually try to stay under 25 min, but it just wasn't possible with this one.

[@miccacarry6803]

Congrats Ron. Keep up the great work and modelling.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks for watching.

[@brantschmell4730]

Always enjoy your videos! Nice job on these tank cars.

[@collinsullivan1517]

Nicely done, very informative. I want my cars to look like yours when they grow up. I still use chalks to weather my cars, easier to fix a botch. I'll have to give the airbrush a try. Thanks!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I still use pastels and powders as well. In fact I plan to do a video on weathering a boxcar using powders in the future. Thanks for watching.

[@signman9328]

Great info, Ron. The only thing I like to do differently on tank cars is to use a brush for the spillage, since it is usually more of a 'hard-edged' distinct difference between oil and tank color----not as much of a 'dusting effect' as other areas.

[@Howie2025]

that was a great help! I'm off to get supplies to weather my tank cars

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes.

[@sparky107107]

i like that little jig you made up. looks handy. nice job explaining the weathering.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, just don't leave it on the floor...you thought stepping on a Lego in the night was bad...LOL

[@sparky107107]

thats funny. when i first seen it, that was my exact thought

[@Nscalestuff]

Hi, Ron! I took a metal clothes hanger, cut the long base part off leaving me the hook, and two legs so to speak. I took the two legs to the grinder and grinding then to a point. This allows me to put any length car on the points

[@markiewodi3371]

those look phenomenal!!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks.

[@jre617]

The tank cars really look good. Thanks. The only thing I might have tried is going back and brushing gray or rust on the ladders. I think there'd be less spillage on the ladders than on the side itself. And the ladder detail would stand out a little. N scale is tiny.

[@TrashMan2008]

Ron, excellent video as always. I really enjoyed this episode. I have given it a try before I seen this video and now I know how to fix the weathering on that car. When it comes to weathering you can not always use the HO scale techniques when it comes to N scale. That really was a good tip Cody showed us on the Cody's Office and that was a damn good tip you showed us with the blocks for the car stand. That was always a big issue because the car would fall over and then you have to use your hands. I can't wait to give it a try. Peace be with you, Monday or Tuesday are good for me but I will try to attend when I can for the live show.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks. Hey, if you didn't get the message I recently posted to you, next Tuesday I will post a video about layout track curves, easement, and superelevation inspired by a question you asked on a previous video, and I am giving you credit for the idea in the video. As for Cody's idea, yes it worked well. His idea actually involved using weathering washes from Monroe Models out of MInnesota on the couplers. I ordered the washes but there was a delay and I needed to finish the video, so I airbrushed the couplers instead. The washes showed up the day I uploaded this video in the afternoon. So now, when I do my next weathering video which will involved powders, I will try again on the trucks and couplers with the washes. Live and learn.

[@paulturenne434]

Sheeshkabobs Ron ,the first time I watched this tutorial I must have been distracted (par for the course for me.....probably ADHD or something) but your fixture you made with the skewers to hold tank cars is brilliant......I`m gonna have to use that one !! I suppose I better start watching every video I`ve ever watched ,cause man ,who knows what I missed in the passed year LOL Take care and thanks.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

LOL. Glad you found it helpful.

[@Vman7757]

Thank you I will try this. Thanks again. V

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+Vincent Sanders Thanks for watching. Let me know how it turns out.

[@NoFear2473651]

Sweet video, thanks for sharing, I learned a few things!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+KRPmodels Thanks so much fpr watching.

[@sohchx]

Excellent tutorial!!!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+sohchx Thank you, and thanks for watching.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I also have to say thanks to Ron and his channel, N-Scale Union Pacific Evanston Subdivision, for choosing my idea in his contest and for the awesome shout-out. And to any new subscribers that found my channel through his video, WELCOME!

[@pacbeltrr38]

..... I *was* going to say that looks good for N Scale - but that looks good PERIOD! Gotta say, I haven't seen weathering done, entirely with an airbrush. . . then I realized that back in the late 80's, that was the ONLY way I did weathering!!! 😛😜 I stopped using the airbrush for weathering, almost right after I discovered weathering powders. This makes me want to go ahead and dig up my old Badger 250, and see if I can still do it! I am really going to enjoy your videos!! Carmine 🚂

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+PacbeltRR I use a combination of techniques, including powders and plan to do a video comparing artist's pastels and Pan Pastels soon.

[@jamurphy8386]

PacbeltRR - you WERE pretty damn good with an airbrush!! Don't be shy Carmine, you've won awards for it! Why don't you airbrush weathering anymore? Murph

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+JA Murphy Yes, I would lome to see some of that work.

[@pacbeltrr38]

Thanks Ron! I just restarted my channel... Hopefully, videos will start running soon..

[@pacbeltrr38]

Murph!! You're making me blush Man!!

[@Kegg_Works]

Nice video! Granted I might be able to apply some of these methods to my modeling, I model a much earlier period, but there are a few steel tank cars that may find there way in somewhere. However one thing I thought about was perhaps a video on Airbrush use and maintenance. I have an airbrush, but have never used it as I'm not familiar with the proper upkeep of one. So perhaps that would be something for those of us new to that aspect of the hobby.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+A.J. Davis You are the second to suggest that. I think I will do a video like that soon.

[@IMRROcom]

Nice work, I still have an idea for you, we can talk about it later this week. I think it will be perfect for your skill set.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I've been waiting all summer wondering what that idea is. My life is a little crazy until Tuesday next--youngest started school yesterday, wife started teaching for the year today, wife started night classes for her Masters this week, and my 2 oldest move back to college this Saturday and Sunday. Whew! I am tired and broke!!! Anyway, I look forward to hearing, and if I don't respond immediately this week you will now know why. BTW, it will be good to have you back when your kids get all settled into school again too.

[@WhitePineSub]

Ron,I like your weathering method, very similar to mine. For your wheels I highly recommend the Minuteman Scale Models wheel weathering jigs. As you have an airbrush they allow you to also weather the backs of the wheels and the axles. While this isn't that big a deal on some cars, these parts of the wheel are very visible on a tank cars, even more so on a layout that has the height yours does. Keep the vids coming!-Karl

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+Karl A Hi, Karl. You are right about weathering the backs of wheels. I had not really worried about this much in the past, but as I did this video and took the clothes ups of the cars at the end the silver backs of the wheels really stood out. I'm pretty sure this is something I will start doing immediately. Thanks for the tip on the painting jig. I have seen some painting jigs that are probably similar. My issue is with painting the ends of the axles. I don't want paint interfere with their turning in the axle pockets of the trucks.

[@WhitePineSub]

Ron, I've spray painted every axle on my layout using the painting jigs. The amount of paint that gets on the tip of the axle is so minimal it has to affect on the performance short or long term..

[@billvassar7473]

I would like to take part in your live stream, any time or day is good. great video on weathering.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Great, Bill. I'm still not exactly sure on the time frame. I had planned for late September, but I will be traveling to Houston to help with some clean-up/recovery following Harvey around that time. That may push it back to mid October. I will make a video announcement as soon as possible as to the date and time.

[@njRRtrainer]

Great job and a good video..Thank you for your efforts//

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+njRRtrainer thank you and thanks for watching.

[@RPavs1406]

when i weather the trucks i use chalks and dull cote paint

[@user-nx8tk1pp5o]

Looks great! What is your process to clean your airbrush after you are done?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+3.141 59 When using acrylics like here I disassemble it completely immediately after finishing, drop everything in a shallow bath of windex, clean well with a set of small brushes made for this purpose, dry as well as possible, put a thin coat of oil on the needle where it goes through the chassis, then reassemble.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I apologize for the lateness of this video. I have had technical difficulties mostly involving my internet connection. Be sure to comment and tell me what day/time would work best for you for the live stream. I am very excited about getting that started.

[@IMRROcom]

😀😂😬😠😡

[@duncanallsop5955]

When is your next live Show? Really love your channel. Thanks for the help.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+Duncan Allsop My FIRST live show will be coming up sometime mid-october. I had planned for late September, but I am going to be going out of town for a couple of weeks somewhat unexpectedly so that's not going to work out. I'll be making an announcement about that on my video next Tuesday. Thanks for asking. I hope you can join me.

[@paulturenne434]

Hi Ron ,I like the weathering you`ve done, not too heavy...just right in my opinion,I`ll have to try that on mine.What would we ever do without our airbrushes ,as mine are used almost daily. Keep up the fine work on your videos. Paul T

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, Paul. I do love both of my airbrushes, although this Badger 200 series is my favorite for weathering.

[@ZanesTrains1972]

Ron....I would love to participate in the live stream for me Saturday mornings or after noon is the best time. Just like Roy. I can also be here any day from 1:40 pm to 5:00 pm. ....Zane

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Ok, thanks for the reply. I will keep that in mind.

[@ozmedico]

Hi Ron. Great video. Exactly what I've been looking for. May I ask if you sprayed a flat clear coat all over it after all the weathering? Cheers Joe

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

Ron, I would like to participate in that live stream. For me, the best day and time would be Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. but I'm flexible. ...Roy

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+N-Scale Union Pacific Evanston Subdivision I will consider that. Thanks for your input. I look forward to getting started.

[@HugDeeznueces]

Ron, if you replace the plastic wheels with metal ones, would you get a short on the tracks? Got any suggestions to learn to airbrush? I've always wanted to learn how to. Got a link to that spray booth? Beautiful work on the weathering!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

First, no short because the axles are insulated. Second, there are tons of videos on getting started in airbrushing on KZbin. That is how I got started. The best thing is just to pick one up and start practicing of paper, wood, something disposable until you get the hand of it. Third, yes I have a link and here it is. amzn.to/2GHPjwi

[@MarkInLA]

Yes, the metal wheels usually have insulation between the end of an axle and one of the 2 wheel's inside faces that the axle goes into. In other words, 1 wheel is always insulated from the axle by plastic of some sort, such as Delrin. ...

[@AbelG8781]

Hey Ron, how about white tank cars!?

[@jasoncollins4228]

I used to be a hobo for almost a decade and want to model a rocky mountain winter scene. During my travel I rode on several cars coated with thick sheets of ice and a thin layer of snow on top of the ice. How would I get the weather effect of that?

[@PierreLucGagnon58]

Excellent! Thank you very much! Do you know if it's still possible to find some of that Polyscale paint somewhere or it's all gone?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+Pierre-Luc Gagnon I still see a jar or two occasionally in model railroad shops that were well-stocked when it went out. For the most part it is gone. I am down to the last few drops of the last few bottles that I had on hand. I am still experimenting with multiple Brands to find what I like as well as Polly scale.

[@IMRROcom]

I do belive roy sent me here.

[@michaellerner1369]

What is the type of paint (acrylic or enamel) you are using? Thanks.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

In this instance acrylic.

[@CajonSub]

Nice video Ron, I've got about fifty tank cars to send your way! 😉 I need to buy myself a good air brush starter set with everything. Any recommendations? Thanks again - Steve

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+SoCalBNSF N scale layout Honestly, Steve, I would recommend the Badger 200 siphon feed, single action, internal mix like I used in this video highly. I have another airbrush (double action) but I keep coming back to this one. It is my favorite by far for its reliability and fine paint control. They are widely available, and if you wish you can find one through my Amazon affiliate link in the description of this video. You will need a compressor also. I have a Badger diaphram compressor I love, but there are many good ones out there. Be sure to get a regulator and moisture trap with the compressor as well. Some come with them, others must be purchased separately.

[@CajonSub]

Thanks for the recommendations Ron, I know what I'll be shopping for soon.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+SoCalBNSF N scale layout If you are iterested I can add a link to the compressor I use to the description as well.

[@CajonSub]

Ron's Trains N Things that would be great Ron. Thanks - Steve

[@alexweis9706]

Ron i want to ask you somthing you said that you used a air brush on your models does it matter what air compressor machine used on it .can i used a air compresser from wal-mart store or what do i used please tell me alex

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I personally use a small compressor made for airbrushing. You can use almost any compressor, but you MUST have two things with it. 1) You have to have a regulator that allows you to adjust the pressure coming out of the compressor. 2) You really need a moisture trap because any compressor will create moisture in the tank as air is compressed (it is some kind of science thing, lol). This moisture will come through your airbrush and ruin your paint job. You can buy a combo regulator and moisture trap from lots of places. If you are interested, here is a link to one for less than $13. amzn.to/2FBasYX

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

BTW I am require by law to disclose that the above in an affiliate link.

[@MarkInLA]

Why not use a tiny soft brush on the draft-gear box and coupler, or the entire truck for that matter ? Also, why not do, say, 7-8 tanks and other cars at the same time by lining them up on a straight track on or off the layout..? What you've done Ron is A1, but it seems too time consuming being just weathering, and not livery colors or sign painting, say...

[@eddiebrooks7856]

is there such a place to get highrail vehicles like a pickup for mow?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+Eddie Brooks You can find static models, but I have never seen a functioning one in N scale. That's not to say it doesn't exist, but I have not seen one.

[@thelowmein9143]

What airbrush setup are you using?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+The Lowmein I have to but for weathering I usually use my badger 200 series single action internal mix.

[@vicdoesgaming7570]

everything is made for ho what about some like me using o scale freight cars!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+Vic does gaming Well, I'm working in N scale, but this technique will work in O as well.

[@JohnR.1968]

Why so many edits at the beginning?

[@noelstoutenburg8253]

Your asphalt tank cars are not quite completed, as asphalt is a hazardous material, and the cars should have hazardous material placards.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

+Noel Stoutenburg You are correct. It is just such a TINY detail in N scale that I have not tackled it yet on any of my tankers. Not forgotten however. My LPG tmcars need placards as well.

[@KlausSteuer]

It doesnt look realistic at all...especially the asphalt is flowing down and not sprayed all over....

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

images.app.goo.gl/dMgTH9oHxaUZK8Wg7