Weathering Hopper Cars with washes

Following on from the "Airbrush weathering for newbies" video, I revisit washes,as they are a great way to bring out detail before you airbrush and apply powders to you freight car. Not happy with my first attempt at washes on hoppers, I try a different thinner mix for the paint and a different brush, and get a much better result. Many new cars need only a little weathering, and a wash provides this and a great base for powders. Cheers Gregg.

[@warrenmaker798]

This guy makes us Aussies sound like we r all stark raving lunatics..... LOVE IT

[@cokidjazz]

Thanks for these ideas, sir. Love your humor too. Looking for more from you

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you and you're welcome! I enjoy weathering and there will be more updates on the way. Cheers Gregg.

[@w.rustylane5650]

For trucks, wheels, freight car bodies and locos to add rust I use REAL rust. I take a roll of fine steel wool and put it into a quart jar and fill it up with white vinegar and set it on a window sill so the sun can shine on it. After a month or two, I pour the liquid out into a stainless photo tray from my darkroom (10X14). After it is completely dry I use a single edged razor blade scraper and scrape the rust out of the tray. It usually comes out as a fine powder. I then store it in a snuff container. Depending on how long you leave the steel wool in the vinegar my batches come out with different colors of rust, i.e., some are orange and others are a deeper colored red. When I get ready to use it I put several scoops of my rust into a plastic communion cup (neat little cups for mixing paints) and add some alcohol, Elemer's white glue and a dab of water soluble glycerin. Then I just brush it on. If I want an area where the rust has eaten through the metal (plastic) I use my X-acto knife and make some gouges in the sides of a car and fill it up with my rust. To seal the rust I usually topcoat it with a flat acrylic clear coat. It looks very realistic 'cause it is REAL rust! Happy Railroading! W Rusty Lane in eastern Tennessee (Witherington Place Railroad)

[@richardredcastle7911]

42c down south today, Gregg. Those traction motors on the trams are melting that crater grease! Bottled Aussie sweat with roo...priceless.

[@FishplateFilms]

That's hot Richard! at least in Melbourne you don't get the humidity like up here. I love the trams and Melbourne is a great city. When I was there last Feb', it was 41 on the day I went to the James Bond exhibition, even in a suit I didn't sweat..LOL Thanks for watching. The new men's fragrance?? Gregg.

[@slopedouche5460]

Glad he didn’t pull out a Bowie Knife!! No I’m from Detroit so not afraid of knife just body odor while swinging it around!! Seriously this guy didn’t try to turn this into a 12 hour Rembrandt! Oil wash seems to be quite effective and u get 90% almost of the detail. Cheers lad! Good job!!

[@JohnAPrescott]

Awesome stuff, Greg! You're getting to be a pro at this weathering business! Happy New Year! Best, John

[@FishplateFilms]

I don't know about pro John..LOL I'm a way off the detailed cars that you see out there, but I'm happy with the results so far.Thanks for the comment and support! Cheers Gregg.

[@King_Of_Avalon]

I love how you added hard-working character to this hopper car💪🏾💪🏾 Good video man

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you ! I have gotten better since this video..LOL. There are many ways to get good weathering effects , but it all takes practice! Cheers Gregg.

[@jacobjones9498]

Nicely done! Turned out really well!

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Jacob! They look better now with some powders on, video coming! Cheers Gregg

[@artmay9088]

Thanks for the tips I'm looking forward to weathering my cars

[@FishplateFilms]

You're welcome Art! It is rewarding to see your cars come to life. Cheers Gregg

[@daviddurbin808]

Great job there, thanks for sharing!

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks David! I appreciate the comment. Gregg.

[@retrainrun]

Happy New Year Gregg! Your right! it looks like magic when you going over with the brush. Great how to my friend! And yeah! send some of that heat over here is freezing here in LA. Cheers RT

[@FishplateFilms]

Happy new year to you RT! If you think it looks good then I'm happy!! I have air-brushed the trucks now and added a little powder and they look great I think..for a newbie anyway..LOL I wish I had some cold down here, makes it easier to sleep! Thanks for watching my friend. Cheers Gregg

[@devonevans]

Nice work!! and Happy new year

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Maj. Happy New year to you too.

[@KU4PC]

Nice job Gregg. I think I will try that procedure. Had my own stuff, like yours. Happy New Year from hot South Florida. Mike

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Mike! Give it a go, if I can do it, anyone can..LOL . Happy new year to you sir. Cheers Gregg

[@Grainexpress]

Great video! Been looking for a wash video on how to mix up a wash. Thanks!

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you ! I hope you get some good results! Cheers Gregg.

[@jschl954]

Another great video!

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers Gregg

[@revoff1319]

I 100% agree with buying good brushes...makes a world of difference. Since weathering is my favorite part of the hobby I will gladly spend a few extra dollars for good equipment.

[@FishplateFilms]

That's true, especially if you have no talent like me, you need all the help you can get..LOL. Thanks for watching, Cheers :-)

[@PennCentral99]

Gregg, great job on the video. I know I've watched this before and could have swore I left a comment. Anyway, I started experimenting with washes this weekend and I am quite happy with the results. I only used distilled water and a few small drops of acrylic paint, but I sprayed it with dullcoat (and let it dry) before applying the wash. It came out better than I expected. Thanks, Terry

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Terry, I think you did leave a comment! You'll get the hang of them quickly for sure, just experiment with ratios to see what you like . Sounds like you got it sorted already, on the newer cars the paint is great , but the older cars I find need a coat of light paint before, like dull coat. Show us your work when your happy! Cheers Gregg

[@stan5250]

Hi guys, it is a great job done, and it looks that the wash stays on a surface. My problem is that even after applying dull coat, the wash liquid still coagulates. Do you think a problem could be in a dull coat? Could you please advise me on it?

[@WideWorldofTrains]

Good work

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you!

[@FTLOT]

Looks great!

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you sir! As long as I don't stuff them up with the air brush..LOL Gregg:-)

[@QRoutback]

Great wash , those's hoppers look so good Cheers Glynn

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Glynn! I was wondering how to get that look on newer cars, I've had some success with powders , but the wash is pretty fool proof. Gregg:-)

[@RailfanFuzz]

Now that's more convincing. I like it and really seems quick and easy. I might have to consider giving this a go. I have plenty of older stock to experiment with before I attempt the good stuff. I shot a hopper train last week with great examples of older rusted hoppers you may find helpful for ideas. I'll try to get something uploaded soon, Good stuff Gregg.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks very much Fuzz! I have looked at heaps of hoppers and always find something new, so I will definitely have a look ! I think a mix of washes , air-brush and powders give the best results, but washes are quick and easy, give it a go mate!! Cheers Gregg

[@Patrick99987]

nice one, nice bit of weathering with that wash sir..

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Patrick.. I'm not up to speed with the powders to do a video yet, but the wash is a good base. Cheers Gregg.

[@UNIONPACIFIC3606]

thanks for the great tips and thank you for keeping your commentary clean, there are a lot of videos on youtube with people spitting out the f-word and other words left and right.

[@FishplateFilms]

ICONS OF FILTH Thank you and you're welcome! I try and keep it "G" rated, you never know who's watching..LOL. Cheers Gregg

[@AlfTrains]

Great job

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you ! These cars weather up nicely! Cheers Gregg.

[@bannanapancake]

Good stuff, thanks for the upload;)

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you for watching! Gregg.

[@pacbeltrr38]

Mate, that's bloody brilliant!! Even me wife liked it! Beginner, intermediate or expert, that looks GOOD. I see you learned quick. That has always been an easy and effective method.... but some people STILL mess it up!! 😵 You really did an excellent job of describing how to do that. I have to completely agree that the quality of the tools makes all the difference! The only really expensive bit of kit I own is my finishing airbrush. However, I will never skimp on things like brushes. A good, mid-range paintbrush will out last the bargain bin brush by about 4 to 1, making it good value as well. Plus, far superior results! Cheers, Carmine 🚂

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Carmine, glad you and the better half enjoyed it! I still look at these cars on the layout and think they look good. Nice brushes really do make a difference as you say, the bristles are softer and hold paint better. Thank you for the support mate. Cheers Gregg.

[@pacbeltrr38]

Hey, good modelling is truly timeless. I kept one OLD boxcar from my earlier days (1980!), because it somehow still looks good today! I believe like yourself, I was rather shocked at how good mine came out - as a 16 yr old!!! 😱 I can promise.... It was most likely by accident! 😝

[@FishplateFilms]

It's all trial and error thats for sure!

[@ScottDowneywoundedbear]

Nice job on the weathering. Did you really have to be outside in the hot weather. Winter finally came. New year's day it was minus 11 and it snowed. It could be worse since its -29 in Alberta. I want to be warm. Scott

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank's Scott! I would prefer to be inside with a warm fire and a whisky..LOL We're never happy are we!! I air-brush in the garage , which wasn't too bad but you can't escape the humidity. I wouldn't know what to do in -29...LOL, but I want a white Christmas. Cheers Gregg

[@Rarawer]

this is a great Video again Gregg ! I wish you a happy good 2015 ! I see you have fantastic sunny weather ! Do you plan to uploaded clips from your Canada trip in May?

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you Sir! A way to go before I am like Frank!!! Yes , I am getting a new Pro video camera for my trip to Canada and the US. I will be in the US for about 8 weeks and there will be heaps of videos , you can trust me on that!!! Tehachapi, Cajon Pass and all the good spots, I can't wait!. Cheers Gregg :-)

[@Rarawer]

oh Gregg, NICE ! Trust me I will see all

[@railfanningmichael3970]

That is the exact same model as my 4 bay grain hopper, except it's a CITX 4 bay grain hopper

[@ArmandoRodriguez-qy2hu]

Good work i myself have over 250 of these cars and there all covered in dust

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you ! Thats a lot of DDG hoppers??

[@SeaboardCentral]

Looks great Gregg! Time to assemble all of them in a train and run them around the layout. By the way, do you have a video that shows the track plan of your layout? Thanks! Tim

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks very much Tim, ok for a newbie..LOL I'm doing exactly that sir! I will finish doing the trucks and wheels and add a bit of powders and then put them in a train , hopefully in a weeks time. I don't have a video of the plan yet, but I can do one if you like. Cheers Gregg:-)

[@SeaboardCentral]

Sounds great! I can't wait to see your weathered train in action. If you can produce a video showing your layout plan that would be awesome. That way it would be easier to follow your train along. By the way, I have six of those Walthers DDG Covered Hoppers and that was great advice about changing the wheels. I definitely will do that! I see a lot of the prototype cars here on the NS. A lot have black streaks running down the sides. I can send you a photo of one if you like. Cheers! Tim

[@FishplateFilms]

tmh57 I will get on to that Tim! The IM wheelsets go well in those hoppers. I have seen plenty of photos and videos of them, but thank you for the offer!. As you say , they have faint black streaks on a lot of them , and I was really happy the wash gave that same look! Cheers Gregg

[@DGModelworks]

Great job, great info, and great tips Gregg! I've never experimented with washes yet. I've never really been into washes, but I might have to give it a try. Have you tried a 'sweat wash mixture' yet? LOL I wish it was warm here.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks very much Deryk!..shouldn't you be working on your layout???...LOL I'd nearly given up on them as well on hoppers, but I'm glad I had another go with a different thinner mix, it really does bring out all the details, and on newer cars, you only need a bit of dust and your done! A sweat wash is a good idea, that way you get the smell of the railroad as well! i don't mind the heat so much , it's the humidity thats the killer! At least if it's cold , you can put more clothes on, but when it;s hot...you know where I'm going with this...LOL Thanks for watching my friend. Gregg

[@DGModelworks]

Yeah, I'd appreciate it if you kept your pants on during filming! LOL You are right, humidity sucks. P.S. I should be working on my layout.

[@KU4PC]

Gregg can you put in the return comments what the mixture ratio was. Thanks

[@FishplateFilms]

Sure thing. 80% windex - 20% distilled / rain water. Leaving out the alcohol seems to have made a big difference? Gregg:-)

[@teddybeareleventeen]

Hi Gregg! Good stuff there mate! Practice makes perfect as the saying goes and it shows on your rollingstock! II'l have to try this on my own freight cars. At the start of the video me and the missus thought you said "weathering for boobies!" LOL A dyslexic moment! How about some aussie man sweat with eucalyptus oil? Might be a good seller! Keep up the great work mate! Cheers! Stew.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Stew! Weathering for Boobies....I like the way your thinking mate..LOL. I almost gave up with washes on these cars, but I'm glad I fixed the problem. The eucalyptus oil is a good idea, could be a whole line of men's fragrance's? Cheers Gregg:-)

[@blakedixon1241]

Hi Is it possible that you could give us the formula for the wash?? It is difficult to hear what you said on the video! Thanks Blake Dixon

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Blake , it is mentioned in the video I think? Has been a while since I did soem weathering , so I' forget myself..LOL Gregg.

[@AbelG8781]

Trinity 6351 hoppers are so nice but Trinity 3281 hoppers are much nicer looking, do you plan on picking up some? They're by American Limited models.

[@FishplateFilms]

I may do Abel, I haven't seen any yet , I have many hoppers in storage unopened, so I may have some and don't know..LOL Cheers Gregg

[@AbelG8781]

FishplateFilms dang, I've been looking for some of these but they're just too expensive, the 3281 hoppers are 50 each and there will be 48 total road numbers. Happy new years Gregg!!

[@FishplateFilms]

Abel POSSIBLY Garcia Well, that's too much for me..LOL Happy new year to you sir! Cheers Gregg.

[@AbelG8781]

FishplateFilms awwee man!!!! Lol thank you gave a good weekend!

[@winnieryley]

hi great video. R u in NSW?

[@FishplateFilms]

+winnieryley Thank you! Still learning !! I'm on Brisbane. Gregg. :-)

[@arthurhouston3]

How hot is it?

[@FishplateFilms]

It was about 35 cel Arthur, but the humidity was crazy!!

[@bswain9999]

bottled sweat - you guys call it Foster's right?

[@FishplateFilms]

LOL..I think Fosters is bottled something else!!! I don't drink beer so it all tastes like cats pi#$ to me! Gregg:-)

[@Allixer]

do you just add drops of acrylic paint?

[@FishplateFilms]

Thats right! Only a few drops with some windex and distilled water.

[@Allixer]

allright cool i tried it last night and the results were outstanding thanks for sharing this with us

[@FishplateFilms]

Thats great Allixer! Try a few different colours and strengths and you will find a mix that suits you! Try some rust washes on trucks and tops of freight cars! Glad you liked the results. Cheers Gregg.

[@lachlanbrown9455]

What's a worm drive?

[@FishplateFilms]

+Lachlan Brown A worm drive is the gear system used in most model locomotives. The worm gear is the cylindrical gear which turns the normal looking cog in the gearbox at each end of the loco. Gregg :-)

[@lachlanbrown9455]

+FishplateFilms thanks

[@flyboy2610]

What's a worm drive? A very small car.

[@struck2soon]

35 degrees? Only about 31 degrees warmer than my shed...

[@FishplateFilms]

LOL...Don't think I'd be in there at 4 deg?? We should have basements here, they would be cooler in summer! Cheers Gregg.

[@struck2soon]

Basements seem to be fairly standard in America but nowhere else. My tin shed here in Pomgolia is insulated but I really need to fit a stove.

[@shlutzday]

check out my weathering videos for how tos on graffiti and rust spots!!

[@FishplateFilms]

I will do! Thanks for watching.

[@arthurhouston3]

Stop waving the brush.

[@FishplateFilms]

LOL...It;s the drummer in me Arthur!!