mullie

I hope the following is of interest, over the next week or so I will show how I weathered the tramway carriage. This style of weathering may not seem to be for the faint hearted though any disasters can be remedied because paints and inks can be removed using water, there is an example later in this process. All materials are either artists materials, products found in shops such as the Works and the Range or things found at home. I think the big difference is that the use of artist/craft acrylics means there are no intense blocks of paint and a very limited range of colours are used as you will hopefully see. I do occasionally use Tamiya paints and rattle cans. This process has evolved over many years and came about through lack of access to modelling materials in my local area. The first stage is to paint the under frame and pounce with talc, an Iain Rice term I believe, meaning let the paint go semi dry, just a few minutes then apply talc via with light brushing or stippling careful not to obliterate detail. Colouring is a mix of metallic black, a new product from the Range, grey and raw umber in various random measures. At this stage it looks a mess, the talc will lighten the colour and also matt the paint down, this needs to be allowed for. Later passes will add detail and tone down any garish bits. This is how the model looked after the first pass. The roof was well designed so it could be removed and so seats were toned down and ink applied to the underside of the roof but I forgot to take photos of that. Not every one would want to do this to a brand new model worth around £80 but if the model is to take its place on the layout its appearance mustn't jar, not just against other rolling stock but against the scene it is passing through.

Some nice footage of Upbech at 17 mins. @SDJR7F88 has provided some excellent footage of a really good day.

Thanks Callum, some nice footage of Upbech. Martyn

Are you going to the garden centre for your water feature? (Couldn't find any sheep ones).

Too good to leave any of it, I don't work down a mine you know! Martyn

You did ask and its defying gravity!

It was great to see the layout for real to appreciate the quality of the modelling. Martyn

I've used Seep motors in the past and wouldn't use them again, I've heard others say that too. Martyn

Upbech St Mary and my ragbag collection of paints brushes and general detritus have returned from another excellent day at the SWAG event in Taunton. A fantastically organised day, some great modelling on display and lots of socialising. These photos were taken during set up. The Rapido W & U carriage made its debut with its weathered finish, I will post some photos soon. The box in the lower photo is my mobile DCC plugin gizmo. It was the first time the St Mary's end of the layout had been out and it behaved itself. There were a few issues with the S&W couplings going out of alignment and a couple of lost staples, perhaps I didn't pack as carefully as I usually do or did I hit more potholes? All three parts of the layout have now appeared at SWAG, time to get going on the fourth part of the Upbech trilogy!

Great to see it in the flesh, looks far better than in photos. Martyn

Well I've now left England and the passport is packed away safely. Thanks Rob and everyone who helped organise yet another fantastic day. Good to see so many familiar faces again. Martyn

I think this what you meant to do.

The Mario Kart is loaded and ready for its trip to England. See you tomorrow everyone. Martyn

Do you need ointment for that?

No doubt the cows will be on the track in no time, they can always find a way through! Martyn