AIRBRUSH TRAINING

 

I occasionally run a range of practical airbrushing and weathering courses, hosted by The Airbrush Company in Lancing, West Sussex. Spread over three consecutive days, they consist of the following:

Day 1 is 'Airbrushing for Railway Modellers', an introduction to the use of airbrushes for painting model locomotives and rolling stock (or anything for that matter!), covering all the basics of how the tools work, how to operate them and how to mix/thin your paint correctly. In addition to the vital theoretical content, there will be plenty of practical work involved, with a range of top quality Iwata airbrushes and equipment for attendees to use.

Day 2 is 'Weathering Techniques for Model Railway Rolling Stock'. Here, I'll share my methods for creating lifelike finishes on a range of passenger and freight vehicles, using an airbrush and manually-applied techniques. Anything from dusty, crusty cement hoppers, oily tankers to rusty mineral wagons will be covered, along with special strategies for steam- and diesel-era coaching stock. There will be a mix of demonstrations and ample opportunity for practical work, with a host of materials and tools available for use.


Finally, Day 3 is 'Weathering Techniques for Model Railway Locomotives', where steam and diesel traction is considered and a plethora of practical approaches revealed to create a range of potential finishes. The creation of grimy, textured coatings and the realisation of a forlorn, end-of-steam appearance will be demonstrated, along with hints for capturing the distinctive polished-yet-grubby look of more cared-for steam engines. 

Other methods relevant to diesel and electric traction are also covered, including the creation of faded/worn liveries and leaking fuel/oil. Airbrush and hand-applied methods are considered, along with a wide variety of materials, plenty of which will be available for students to try for themselves.

Full details of course dates, price and availability can be obtained from The Airbrush Company. Tel. 01903 767 800.


Comments

  1. Anonymous18 June 2012 at 19:26

    im looking forward very much to the course in November george.

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  2. doug@copystatic.co.uk15 November 2013 at 12:02

    Attended the first two courses in November 2013 after waiting almost a year for a vacancy. Having precious little success with airbrushing hitherto, I was able to learn why I was messing up and how to go about getting good results. I learnt much about enamel and vinyl paints and hope to get on the advanced course in 2014. Really good value training.

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  3. George Dent18 November 2013 at 15:48

    Many thanks for the endorsement, Doug. Glad you enjoyed the courses.
    All the best,
    George.

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  4. Anonymous9 December 2013 at 20:04

    Hi George I have just booked the Weathering course in September after failing to get on last year, I am really looking forward to it. Can you recommend anywhere to stay in the vicinty. Kind regards Andy Small

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    Replies
    1. George Dent9 December 2013 at 21:13

      Hi Andy. The Airbrush Co. should send you a list of recommended local hotels and B&Bs with your booking confirmation. From personal experience, I've enjoyed stays in the Windsor Hotel and the Grand Victorian Hotel, both in Worthing, although the latter has no car parking (but it's next to the train station).
      See you in September!
      George.

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    2. Anonymous10 August 2014 at 19:05

      Hi George Looking forward to September, found a hotel in The New Sussex in Lancing. Do I need to bring anything with me, stock etc? Andy

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    3. George Dent11 August 2014 at 10:34

      Hi Andy, Glad you got accommodation sorted. Yes, if you can bring some stock with you, it'll allow you to practice some of the weathering techniques. I'd say 5 or 6 wagons and maybe a smallish loco or two. Older stuff is recommended rather than expensive new models! Just ensure that they're clean (no oil or grease on the bodywork etc) so the paint will stick.
      See you in a few weeks!
      George.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous18 August 2014 at 09:24

      Hi George Ok thanks for the reply

      Delete
  5. Unknown26 May 2014 at 13:12

    Highly Recommended to anyone, Did the first course in 2013 and the last one in June this year. Yep getting a space is hard. George is a great instructor and takes the time to explain everything clearly whilst leaving lots of time for practice you to try the different techniques out. My confidence and ability with an Airbrush has moved on massively. Weathering of course but also total paint jobs to re-livery coaches and wagons and I know I now have the skills to do locomotives as well.

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  6. Anonymous14 September 2014 at 23:36

    Hi George Many thanks for the excellent course last Thursday, I really enjoyed it. Now trying to get a place on the advanced. A fantastic day. Andy.

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  7. George Dent16 September 2014 at 09:19

    Thanks for the kind comments. Glad you enjoyed the courses - keep practicing!

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  8. Anonymous13 March 2015 at 00:34

    Hi George
    Do you think you might repeat course No 3 (Advanced Weathering) later in the year. I cannot make March 27th & the July date is full.
    Andy Small

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    Replies
    1. George Dent13 March 2015 at 07:31

      Hi Andy, Sorry you haven't been able to get a place. I was hoping to run all three courses again in October or November, but am not sure I'll have time. I'll definitely be doing them again in 2016 though, probably twice.
      If you give the Airbrush Co. a ring and ask them to put your name on the waiting list, they'll give you a buzz as soon as any more dates are confirmed.
      Hope to see you again,
      George.

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    2. Anonymous16 March 2015 at 19:43

      OK George Many thanks
      Andy

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  9. Anonymous20 July 2015 at 02:14

    Thanks for a great day on the Advanced Weathering Course last Thursday. Very informative & enjoyable. Andy Small

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  10. Anonymous21 July 2015 at 21:06

    Hi George I have read in your book that Tamiya must be diluted with Tamiya thinners. Will Lifecolour not be as good? Andy Small

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    Replies
    1. George Dent22 July 2015 at 09:48

      Hi Andy, Yes - only Tamiya's own thinners will work, due to the high alcohol content of the paints. Lifecolor is primarily water-based, so their thinners are pretty useless for Tamiya.
      Cheers,
      GD.

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  11. Unknown5 August 2015 at 14:00

    Hi George At your last course (Advanced Weathering July 16th) we discussed Alclad Laquer. Is there much difference between Light Sheen & Semi Matte?

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    Replies
    1. George Dent5 August 2015 at 15:31

      Hi Andy,
      Yes, there is quite a difference between the two. Light Sheen is a very gentle mix of satin and gloss, while semi matt is much flatter. But not as flat as the straight Matt!

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    2. Unknown5 August 2015 at 23:57

      Hi George Thanks for the info. Love the depot in Aug Model Rail. Loads of detail. Reminds me of Springs Branch

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  12. Anonymous7 March 2016 at 11:03

    Dear George
    Is there any plans for airbrushing courses in 2016 as its a subject area I want to learn.
    Kind Regards
    Samuel Bennett

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    Replies
    1. George Dent8 March 2016 at 12:40

      Hi Samuel,
      Sorry, no courses planned for 2016, but will probably be back at it in 2017. Contact The Airbrush Company to register your interest, as they tend to get booked-up very quickly.
      All the best,
      George.

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