Commission: A pair of dirty Victory…

This pair of Planet Industrials ‘Victory’ are heading over the channel, as did their prototype during the war, though these are hopefully going to find service on my customers layout, rather than support the allied war effort…

My customer wanted a more deluxe weathering than that offered in the initial 'customisation', as well as custom nameplates ordering and fitting. Quite sepecific notes on style of weathering were provided which were useful, but as with all my work these are based upon prototype observation and careful application of colour through a variety of methods.

The top of the boiler and firebox demonstrate here on the green example the subtle yet multi-faceted finish that the more deluxe weathering offers. A combination of washes, removed layers and airbrush the result has the feeling of true grot, but not over done. Soft edged vertical streaking, dirt and soot accumulating on flatter surfaces yet relatively clean boiler, tank and cab sides as if the loco is still well cared for between shifts.

Similarly the maroon model was treated in the same manner, but is slightly cleaner. To ring the changes I also fitted the above foot plate sand boxes on this model, before applying washes, airbrushed, removing and creating streaks and final blending with the airbrush. The usual choice of colours (98 and 33 in the washes, 133, 245 and 27004 in the airbrush) provide a lovely subtle blend of dirt and warmer tones to the soot and dirt accumulation. The way the metallic particles react in the metalcote paint work really well in this way, and give a lovely slight variation in the flat 'sooty' surfaces just as you notice on the prototype, especially noticeable in the way the cab roof appears in these photos.

I am offering a batch of 'basic' 2 stage weathering on Victory, held at the original launch prices so if you missed out on that then get in touch and I can put your name down. Alternatively, if you have a model of any scale gauge or prototype that you'd like me to take from box fresh and bring to life then I'm happy to provide custom proposals for your other models. I work on all railway related items from structures to stock, in all scales and gauges and all materials. Do let me know via the form here on the website, Facebook or the forums. Until next time, more soon...