The art of weathering

Model railway weathering is an enthralling subject. In this section you can read and watch weathering guides covering steam, diesel and electric locomotives as well as rolling stock and more. Keep checking back for the latest features and videos as we create new guides.

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Weathering a GWR '64XX' 0-6-0PT

TIM SHACKLETON

TIM SHACKLETON gives the Bachmann 'OO' gauge ‘64XX’ 0-6-0PT a convincing oily rag finish that recaptures childhood memories.

TIM SHACKLETON
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TransPennine Express Mk 5 weathering guide

TIM SHACKLETON

With the deftest of touches, TIM SHACKLETON breathes fresh life into some of the most outstanding models yet released in ’OO’ gauge.

TIM SHACKLETON
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EQUIPMENT GUIDE: Air compressors

TIM SHACKLETON

Compressors are a must for successful airbrushing, but what should you be looking for? TIM SHACKLETON road-tests a selection of competing designs at prices ranging from under £60 to close on £500.

TIM SHACKLETON
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Workstained Class 70

MIKE WILD

The General Electric Powerhaul Class 70 is the most powerful diesel locomotive on the modern railway, and it makes for an interesting weathering project. MIKE WILD explains how he brought his Bachmann ‘OO’ gauge model to life with a realistic finish.

MIKE WILD
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Weathering and detailing a Hornby LNER 'Q6' in 'OO' gauge

TIM SHACKLETON

Operating your layout with only a limited selection of classes is entirely prototypical – but how do you make near-identical engines look different? TIM SHACKLETON shows how you can do it through weathering effects alone.

TIM SHACKLETON
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WORKBENCH: Class 20 weathering – Part 1

TIM SHACKLETON

The Class 20 offers potential for detailed weathering effects. TIM SHACKLETON brushes up on the basics of weathering with a pair of Bachmann Class 20s in 'OO' gauge.

TIM SHACKLETON
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Modelling Tyne Dock Class 24s in 'OO' gauge

TIM SHACKLETON

TIM SHACKLETON goes for a high-fidelity weathering treatment that squares with the level of detail on a matched pair of Sulzer Type 2s.

TIM SHACKLETON
Weathering a Diesel Brake Tender in OO gauge. Feature Premium

Weathering Diesel Brake Tenders in 'OO' gauge

TIM COOPER

With a new selection of Key Publishing’s exclusive ‘OO’ gauge diesel brake tender now available, TIM COOPER shows how some gentle weathering can really bring this model to life.

TIM COOPER
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Weathering EFE Rail's SEA and SPA Wagons

Looking to add EFE Rail’s recently released ‘OO’ gauge SEA and SPA wagons to his fleet, DAVID DOLMAN took to the workbench to improve their outof-the-box appearance with a realistic, weathered in-service makeover.

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STEP BY STEP: Paint fading techniques

You can almost taste the tobacco smoke and touch the threadbare upholstery as TIM SHACKLETON evokes the unique character of carriage stock from a bygone age using simple weathering techniques to fade the paint on a series of Hornby Maunsell carriages.