Large Scale Central

Stumped on Big John

Modeling
#1

I started to repaint my big joghn to give it more of a backwoods logging RR look. So far I have painted most of it black. I did the wood platforms with a mix of tan and gray. I still need to do my wash in black to bring out the grains that i sand papered in. The roof im thinking about painting a redish color or just keep black. So far what I have done I think it looks pretty good but it just doesnt have that look im looking for yet (I also have not done any weathering yet.) I really like the look of Brians Dunkirk as well as the Dunkirk from the Dec 2003 GR front cover (the same one in the Gorgeous Garden Railway book on page 107.) Im not sure what I want to do with the sides of the engine. Do I keep it black and give it a light rust to it or do I paint it to look like wood? I have all sorts of colors in the acrylics. I want to stay away from purchasing anything and use the acrylics I have. Here is what I have so far. It still has a long way to go. Also thats my new display track I am working on as well Before

#2

Shawn,
It is a matter of preference.
I prefer my trains to be colorful, rather than prototypical.
A lot more non train people see my trains than do train people.
I may make the rivit counters puke, but the general population likes my trains, as do I.
Ralph

#3

Looks Good Shawn,

you could kinda get it close to your 0-4-0 in terms of colors used…to add some uniformity on the line?

#4

Shawn,

As always you’ve got to write the story. What do you want it to look like? Well kept, old, worn out, brand new to your railroad, or hasn’t run in years.

Water solvent paint, black or dark grey and mixed with 50% water. Test for results. Cover all vertical surfaces with this paint mixture. Immediately spray or mist with water and let dry. If you get a result you like, spray with clear coat to stabilize. Same can be done with powders.

Kevin Strong has done great work with vinegar and steel wool creating rust. I think it is on his website. But a well cared for engine doesn’t have rust. What’s your story?

#5

I guess im looking for that used but kept in good shape look

#6
Shawn said:
I guess im looking for that used but kept in good shape look
To me that says some black wash and some brown wash for grease in a few places and no rust wash. No matter what, always soot on the roof and horizontal surfaces unless recently serviced and not fired since.