Finishing Models

Every seasoned modeler begins to accumulate various weathering techniques over time. Each modeler has different tips and tricks to offer. With numerous techniques and products available to weather buildings and trains, its just a matter of discovering what ones work best for you.

Finishing Models

C.J. Riley explored many weathering techniques while building the Kanawha & Western Allegheny. In part five of the 9-part Kanawha & Western Allegheny series, C.J. offers a step-by-step tutorial on how to finish model structures. His technique requires artist marking pens available for purchase at art supply stores. They come in a broad range of colors.

C.J. offers alternative suggestions for products to use when weathering structures as well.
Some products that may be useful are colored chalks, oil based crayons, and oil paint in stick form. Additionally, C.J. uses dry powder pigment as a finishing touch. He demonstrates an example of a structure with the technique applied.

Furthermore, C.J. briefly mentions detailing freight cars. Many of his cars derive from typical plastic kits or early craftsman wood kits. He prefers to carefully select highly detailed ones and mix them in with the rest of the fleet to give the impression as if they are equally detailed.

There are four more segments remaining of the Kanawha & Western Allegheny series. Follow along for more insight into C.J.’s railroad and his techniques.