WEARY WARSHIP
Diesel Hydraulic gets the weathering treatment
I've spent the last week over in sunny(!) Carnforth, filming a new instructional DVD programme for Model Rail. On top of a couple of weeks of Blue Peter-style preparation ('here's one I prepared earlier!'), it's been a very busy month; thinking up the format of the programme, sourcing suitable models and materials, then getting them all ready for the cameras.
Happily, filming went very smoothly, being ensconced in Telerail's new office suite above Carnforth station. With a view over Steamtown and the West Coast Main Line, it was a little distracting at times, especially with plenty of DRS Class 20s and 37s passing with nuclear waste services and Network Rail test trains, plus the busy daily activities of West Coast Railways.
More details of the DVD programme will be announced soon but, in the mean time, here's a sneak preview of one of the subjects...
One thing that I'm often asked about is how to create a realistic faded version of BR rail blue livery - as carried by a host of careworn diesels in the 1970s and 1980s. Having developed my own ways of recreating this effect over the past few years, I've recently fine-tuned the way in which I apply the paints to a pre-painted RTR model (I approach the task differently if starting from a bare plastic shell). Also, I've changed the types of paint that I employ, moving away from my usual enamels in favour of the impressive Lifecolor and Tamiya acrylics.
I'm very happy with the last few locos that I've worked on in this way, most notably a Heljan 'Hymek' and this Bachmann 'Warship'. Look out for more on this technique in Model Rail in the future.
Hi George, on the subject of Warships, have you thought about back-dating one to the early indicator disc types, might make an interesting MR article: http://www.flickr.com/photos/36142696@N02/6956041617/
ReplyDeleteAlso, the new wagon book is on order so looking forward to reading it soon!
THat's a good idea and it shouldn't be too difficult. I've put it down on my 'Future Projects' list!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, hope you enjoy the book!
George.
HI George,
ReplyDeletethe warship looks fantastic....great modelling
I have blue one to start soon and intend to follow a similar theme to the faded blue you have done here...any tips...or when will the Model Rail article come out??
best
chris
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliments! Not sure when the MR article or DVD will appear just yet - hopefully later this year (Sept/Oct). More info will appear here in time.
All the best,
George.
I agree with the post above that the fading effect you've achived is really realistic; this is something that many try and overall impressions are there, but this one seems to have the edge. It looks like the article and the DVD will be worth acquiring and learning from.
ReplyDelete