HORNBY TROUT HOPPERS (2)

After loading up my fleet of new Hornby Trouts, I decided to give them a lightly weathered finish. Despite some of the review samples that we received being in factory-weathered condition, I wanted something a bit more realistic than the uniform layer of light brown paint. A handful of weathering powders is all that I used and each wagon took only about 20 minutes, so even a long rake won’t take long – just the thing for these dark December evenings…

Once the ballast load had dried out completely, a mix of ‘rusty and dusty’ shades of MIG powder was applied to the exposed areas of the hopper interior. This also helps to disguise any stains left by excess glue. A soft-bristled flat paintbrush gives best results with powders.

Similar shades were also added to the outside of the hopper, with darker shades used around the recessed areas to exaggerate the shadows and bring out the best of the model’s moulded relief. Gently varying the shades adds visual interest and creates a more realistic appearance

For the hopper chutes, I wanted some distinct streaking effects, so Tamiya pigments – applied with a cosmetic sponge applicator – were used. A mix of ‘snow’, ‘light rust’ and ‘dark rust’ did the trick, using only vertical streaks to mimic the effects of stone being released from the hopper.

Finally, a larger, clean soft brush will remove any excess powders and pigments, using vertical strokes to prevent any inappropriate streaking. Blowing away loose powders with your breath runs the risk of moisture landing on the surface and, reacting with the powders, creating a nasty stain.