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How do I remove plastic parts from sprues?
Posted in: Kit building, Best practices
20th May 2020
When building a plastic kit model it is normal for the parts to come out of the box arranged on a plastic frame. This...
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What is a gunpowder van?
Posted in: Rolling stock
11th April 2022
As the name suggests, gunpowder vans were used to transport gunpowder and other explosive materials by rail. The...
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What is a tinplate model?
Posted in: Model Railway
17th June 2021
Tinplate models were mainly produced before we had the ability to manufacture plastic injection-moulded models....
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Why are there so many different types of mileposts?
Posted in: Model Railway
17th March 2021
In 1845, legislation was passed resulting in the mandatory introduction of mileposts on our railways. The new posts...
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What is static grass?
Posted in: Scenery
6th June 2019
Static grass is a scatter made of nylon fibres, that can be made to stand on end giving the appearance of real grass....
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Do I need to weather models to make them appear realistic?

Weathering is an important technique in scale modelling that can greatly enhance the realism of a model. While it is not always necessary, weathering can add depth, character, and a sense of age to any model, making them look more like their real-life counterparts.

When we talk about weathering, we are referring to the process of simulating the effects of time, weather and wear and tear on a model. This can include adding dirt, dust, rust, chipping paint, fading colours, and other signs of aging and use.

By weathering their model, a modeller can create a more realistic representation of the real thing. For example, a weathered locomotive will have a more authentic appearance, with grime and dirt in the nooks and crannies, faded paint on the body, and rust on the metal parts. Similarly, weathering a building can give it a worn and weathered look, with peeling paint, cracked walls and moss or algae growing in the corners.

It's important to note that weathering is not suitable in all cases. Some models may not benefit from weathering, especially when the modeller wants to represent a brand new or well-maintained object. However, for models that are meant to represent older or heavily used objects, weathering can make a significant difference in their realism.

There are many techniques and products available for weathering models, including washes, pigments, powders, and airbrushing. These can be used to simulate different types of weathering effects, such as dirt, rust and fading paint. It is a good idea to experiment with different techniques and materials to find which ones work best for a particular subject.

In conclusion, weathering can greatly enhance the realism of most models. That said, the decision to weather is a subjective choice for the modeller which will be dependent on the type of finish they wish to achieve. It is always a good idea to research and study references of the real thing to understand how weathering affects different objects in real life.

Posted in: Painting

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