As was typical in areas near railroad tracks in the 1950s,
there are several recycled freight cars on the layout, including tank cars. I
use these recycled tank cars as the focal point of various mini-scenes.
All of the tank cars were purchased at swap meets for a few
dollars or less and then weathered as one might expect for a recycled car. Weathering
consisted of dry-brushed paints, weathering powders and washes made from
diluted paints and alcohol/weathering powder solutions.
The one heavily rusted tank car (below) was an experiment in
which I spread a layer of glue on the car body and then sprinkled on
rottenstone. I then coated the surface with rust colored weathering powder.
Rottenstone is weathered limestone mixed with various forms
of silica. Also known as "tripoli", it is a fine powdered porous rock
used as a polishing abrasive for metal and wood finishing. It has applications
similar to pumice.
As used on this tank car body the rust effect is extreme and
maybe a bit overdone.
Details were added to complete the scenes. I have boxes of
detail parts so there always a lot of choices to for finishing each mini-scene.
Below are photos of these mini-scenes.
Always a good idea, and real life is, or at least was, full of such installations. Also a nice way to use those "gifts" from well meaning friends and family that just won't work if left alone, or those purchases you made before finalizing a plan. Waste not want not I always say. I plan a small engine service area at the end of a branchline, and already have a tank shell or two to utilize for the location; good thoughts Bob, keep em coming. JohnH. CEO and Janitor Arizona Southern RR.
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