The art of weathering…
As a child I hated new shoes, especially new trainers. They looked too perfect, no marks or dirt, no life nor stories to share. It was as a child that I also began to yearn for less perfect trains to run on my model railway…
A life long journey, the first steps just innocent experimentation, shortly afterwards guided by Martyn Welch’s book. Today still learning...
Here are an honest pair of Graham Farish Class 08 shunters on Paxton Road. Both the product of my bench for each started life in other colours - but whilst 665 was my first N gauge shunter she also shows my current ‘state of the art’ weathering - a mix of wash, wet on wet, drybrushing and airbrushing - a bland palette of Humbrol shades - yet she feels right. Studying photos and absorbing their content to guide a brush not through exact copying but instead painting a feeling, an emotion.
For whilst the 113 looks as lovely as my white Hi-Tec high tops of 1988, she will not tell any stories like that - the same treatment beckons...
The art of weathering…
I’ve been told I should write a book about this, what do you think? A mindful contemplation of approach and process with my thoughts and ideas rather than step by step instructions… a James Hilton of my inspiration? Perhaps a part two of ‘The Art of Railway Modelling’?
Until next time, more soon…
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A book about weathering and artistry would be great James. I found Martin Welch's book was interesting and his modelling second to non, but the techniques felt way beyond my skill level. He was a bit disparaging about diesels too, he lost me somewhat with the comment about tin boxes at the start of the chapter. I used to weather all my American rolling stock but can't bring myself to weather my British rolling stock. Maybe if you did a book on weathering similar to your construction book then it would tip me over the edge?! Take care.
ReplyDeleteI’d like to create something enjoyable to read, even if you never did any modelling… I’d like something illustrated but not instructional in the step by step paint by numbers approach. A gentle encouragement to make a start, and see where it takes you… we’ll see!
DeleteI rather think you should write that book. The Martyn Welch is superb but perhaps rather dated, and frustratingly mostly in b&w. Were he is superb is rationalising what we are trying to do, looking at the prototype, thinking the process through, being honest with ourselves. His reliance on airbrush is frustrating, also, for those of us who by necessity model mostly in enclosed and not well ventilated places (I’m in a cellar, with a back yard). So, yes, a new book that acknowledged the reality of the modern modeller would be great.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jonathan, I have struggled because every time I’m asked I feel like I’ve nothing to add to Martyn… but I have, I do have a different approach even if using similar methods. I also only tend to use an airbrush at the end - but they are useful for applying lacquer - but I use a water based lacquer so you could certainly use that in your flat anyway… thanks for the encouragement!
DeleteI think a weathering focused book would complement what you have already written James. Your weathered stock and buildings tie each scene or layout together and help it to become the thoughtful finished piece. A weathering/art book would fit the canon of work you have already produced. I am of course completely biased and would like another book! Take care.
ReplyDeleteAgree with the above! That book would be a fine idea. The Martyn Welch book is, for me, the weathering bible but as said a bit dated and would be better in colour. I'd like to know your take and adaptations on his methods. Out of interest, what is the water based Lacquer you use?
ReplyDeleteVMS make the lacquer. I think it’s called HD varnish.
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