My first kit built locomotive, the P4 Judith Edge Sentinel for Meadow Lane is 'nearly' finished.

I took her outside for a few 'natural light' shots to show the weathering process has started. I find taking photos at this stage invaluable as it really helps you spot where you've missed a bit, overdone it or where a subtle effect could be created with a touch more effort.

So far the effect is simply some very delicate washes brushed vertically with a dry wide flat brush, and some stippling of rust on the buffer beams and skirts. I've treated one side more heavily than the other as a bit of an experiment too - as you can see in the photos - but I'm not so happy with the wash on the dirtier side so have worked it back a bit with a cotton bud moistened with thinners.

As you can see I've still to add the sand filler covers, the windscreen wipers and the headlights - and I also plan on dry brushing the step edges and further polishing the handrails to give a well worn appearance.

Once those bits are done I'll break out the new airbrush for a dusting of grime up from the rails and a dusting from above with a little more black mixed in, trying to keep it subtle and sun bleached.

Questions or comments welcome as usual!