In the last month or so I’ve been working on a project that involves rethinking eras in terms of how I operate the layout, and in the process have been updating models and adding weathering.

Three separate groups of equipment for three eras

In terms of eras, what got me started thinking about this was while I had been mostly operating the layout as either early 1950s or 1970s, much of the equipment didn’t really fit those two eras that well. When it came down to it, I needed to adjust things into three groups

The first group is adjusted to 1940. I have a lot of equipment that fits this era, much of it classic OO models I have built or rebuilt. I also have wanted to adjust the layout to suit this era better, more on that in a bit.

The second group is adjusted to 1960. For this era I found that I have the most locomotives but the least number of cars! So a major thrust has been updating models from and for this era, which should all for example have AB brakes (I used almost all the Jeff’s OO 3D printed ones I have on hand) and no cars in interchange service with Andrews or Arch Bar trucks. These cars I’ve also been weathering, more on that in a minute.

The final group is adjusted to 1980. I have some really great equipment that fits this era as well.

(The “underscale fleet” I’m leaving as is for now, but the division there is probably 1950s and 1970s.)

Layout adjustments

These I have barely started, but my idea is to set the layout up well for 1960 but then, with adjustments of vehicles and some buildings, to be able to adjust the scene convincingly for 1940 or 1980. This might finally spur me on to finish the scenery, stay tuned.

Weathering

Prefacing this section, I should mention that I am primarily a model railroader at heart, and want to create a reasonably accurate and realistic scene that works together. Part of that is weathering the equipment.

Prior to the past few weeks, I had only weathered 3 models (!!!) over the many years I’ve been building OO models. One I did in high school, and the other two I weathered to hide some rebuilding I had done to two existing models in 2020. Those cars are seen here. They came out OK but the current updating ideas and my improved garage shop (for doing dirty work) helped get me going.

Someday I may do more with washes or an airbrush, but I like the weathering powders and how easy they are to use. I’m focusing on the 1960 era models to start, and I’ve been only lightly weathering them — you can always add more later.

My setup is simple, the powders and two brushes (medium and large) are the main tools. I did watch a couple videos for ideas how to do this. I’m still learning how much you can do, as when you spray on the clear flat sealer the effect is moderated quite a bit. Here is one model after putting on the powders but before sealing.

You can see the look is very dusty, but after sealing the effect is not nearly as strong.

One big bonus is that the lettering looks less white afterwards, this is very helpful. Below the upper model has had nothing done to it, and the second model has been weathered and sealer applied. Note the lettering color.

Not as visible in the photo, but the effect I’m going for generally is more dust on the lower sides of the models. The above cars are all Scale-Craft prewar die cast boxcars, I use them as stand-ins for postwar boxcars, and I’ve (for now, at least) come to terms with using them on the original trucks — for these models there really is no viable substitute for the 1960 era. (Schorr truck wheels are full sized and don’t work on these models).

The tank car below is also Scale-Craft, with Schorr trucks, seen in the layout lighting. I did not want to overdo the initial weathering, and like how the car has a more dirty appearance (highlighting the trucks a bit as well) but does not look like it is on the way to the scrapyard.

Finally, here is my basic setup and two more finished models. Originally I was doing the weathering inside the box in the area with the paper, but now I do the weathering on a piece of paper in front of the box, using the one inside to collect loose, leftover powder for reuse later.

I’ll add a final note that my aim is to only weather models I’ve personally built. I actually broke that rule by accident already, and lightly weathered a tank car built by Bill Gilbert (I had built one almost identical to his). But going forward I plan on sticking to weathering only models I’ve built.