Know your stuff
This is where our team of experienced modellers answer YOUR questions. Email your queries about railways – real or model – to modelrail@bauermedia.co.uk
George Dent MR’s editor and chief model maker can offer advice on almost any subject.
Dave Lowery Professional model maker who’s been there, done that and got the T-shirt!
Paul Chancellor Paul is the proprietor of the well-known railway photographic archive Colour Rail.
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HOW TO MODIFY A FACTORY WEATHERED FINISH
Q How can I tone down a factory-weathered locomotive without damaging the original paint finish?
Bill Jefferson, by email
George says: In many cases these days, factory-applied weathering is generally to a high standard. However, sometimes it can be a little too heavy in places, especially the front ends of diesel and electric traction which, in real life, were generally cleaned more regularly than the sides. Furthermore, the nature of mass-produced weathering means that the ‘dirt’ is applied in a fairly general manner, without the care and attention of a bespoke job. That’s why high-quality weathering jobs cost more!