Buckjumper's Blog

From an excellent model to the real thing, another amazing transformation.

 

Out of curiosity: That plate on the end - what does the text say?

Thanks Mikkel.

 

The plate reads Haughley and Laxfield Branch, and was a typical feature of (ex) GE branch line sets.

 

One thing I've not mentioned is the presence of three link couplings, where of course screw couplings should be, but the owner uses Lincs (see original pic) and I assume the tommy bar might interfere with the auto couplings (?).

Very nice!  The "warmer chestnut" washes and weathering have emphasised the panel detail beautifully.  Did you mix the paint with a clear varnish to make the tinted mist coats, or just colour mixed with thinners?

 

Dave 

Thanks Dave. Yes, it's gloss varnish, a few drops of paint and plenty of thinners. Because it's so wet I tend to blow dry with a hairbrush as the tint lands, just until the thinners flash off.  I prefer a glossy finish as for me it accentuates the richness of the paint which a straight satin, eggshell or matt finish can't replicate, and then later I knock the finish back to a scale level (can of worms open!) with the weathering process.

Thanks Adrian! good tip about the use of gloss varnish, I do a similar thing with my locos, but not tried it for coaches.

 

Best wishes

 

Dave