Weekly Photo Fun 2/5 - 2/11/16

[Green_Elite_Cab]

Well, I haven't posted for a while, but I have done some new things. For the first time in a long time, I've weathered some of my engines! I figured some of those Conrail Patch Jobs shouldn't look so clean!

GP30 #2168 was the first to get the dirt. I might have put it on a little heavier than the prototype, but its not bad. before this, it looked way too "bright" for an engine that has been around! I painted the underframe grimy black, and then used weathering powders on the body and trucks. I also tried to put a wash on the engine before hand, but I didn't really get noticeable results.





Next on the list is my newest paint job, Former Reading Company, now Conrail GP35 #3640! This engine was unique in that it was the only GP35 to get the "All Green" Reading company paint. I still need to dull-cote it a little (probably should have done that before weathering, but i can always reapply what goes away). Still, I'm very happy with how it came out. Trying to replicated the worn-out patch look was definitely a little scary. Had to make it look blotchy without making it look too painted on!







A little bit of a brighter shot prior to my weathering attempts. I tried to make the CR patch faded out just like the photograph. In some pictures, its barely visible. I think #3640 got a blue paint job by late 1980, so this patch wasn't long lived. I used the Mount Vernon Shops CR patch decals, as they come with the stencil lines visible in some patch jobs.







They look good together under my Reading Company catenary, that is for sure! I plan to run these for the last few weekends of my club's open house.



I also started to weather the body of GP18 #7499, but I haven't gotten around to the trucks yet.



Weathering is going to have to be the new skill I pick up. To much of my "old" conrail stuff should probably be a little more beat up, if only subtly so.