NBL Shunter: Weathered...

In my last post about the North British diesel I had sealed the finish in dull-cote and added glazing. With a few locomotives 'finished' needing weathering, the opportunity to work over the model was taken...

The approach followed that described earlier this week about Pride of Gwent. Note also, that the rear brake shoes are out of position in these photos, now corrected. It's always surprising how you don't notice things like this until you see it blown up full screen on your computer.  

The darker livery meant that the wash needed to be a touch darker for the panel lines, but I like the effect around the sand filler hatch, and the panel closest to the bonnet radiator (above) where the Matt 98 has gathered and lightened the finish.

The detail painting on the buffer beams shows scrapes and rust from coupling damage. The dry brushed gun metal is clearly visible on step edges, as well as a little on the bottom of the door, showing where it has been kicked open with dirty boots.

The airbrush has pulled the finish together really nicely, and shows how a multi-faceted approach is the best way to bring a model like this to life. One technique alone would not provide the overall effect I was after, and sometimes happy accidents (the lighter dusty appearance on the bonnet door) help you add ideas to your repertoire. More soon...