![the weathering magazine fading the weathering magazine fading](https://www.bnamodelworld.com/image/cache2/250x250/catalog/amig/A.MIG-4515.jpg)
Mix up some of the Ochre and Raw Umber and maybe a touch of white. I've seen rust that ranges from bright orange, to auburn, to brown.
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![the weathering magazine fading the weathering magazine fading](https://www.passion132.com/55087-thickbox_default/ammo-by-mig-amig-4527-the-weathering-magazine-issue-28-four-seasons-english.jpg)
What color is rust? This is a trick question, as there is no correct answer. Let's go over these layers one step at a time. I try to stay away from more toxic solvents and cleaners because of this. Keep the lids on those jars as much as possible. When using the alcohol, please do so with adequate ventilation. You don't want to weather your entire room, just the model at hand. But, using an airbrush means doing this work under a ventilated hood or working outside. Many people do use airbrushes and achieve remarkable results. I also do not use an airbrush for this work. A wash of dirt and grime, of varying degrees.White (or light - could be a tan, or off white shade) highlights on protruding parts.The nice part is that any one layer of work can be acceptable. I sometimes use only one or two layers, or I go all out with five or six layers. I weather models in layers, kind of like nature. I'm sure you are beginning to wonder what this is all about. A spray can of Testors Dullcote, or a similar dull spray finish ** Q-Tips ** Pump bottle with a fine mist nozzle.Small bowls for water and alcohol to clean the brushes.** Isopropyl alcohol ** Shoe leather dye or India ink. A soft bristled brush, similar to a make up brush.Some cardboard squares to use as paint palettes.White, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Raw Sienna, Raw Umber, and Ochre are good to start with. Tubes of acrylic paints (model paints will do, just be sure they are water based).Stiff bristled paint brushes - nothing very large and keep the hairs short.Here are some other items you may need to begin weathering freight cars: Use these as references for your efforts. Look closely for photos of rolling stock and collect a variety with different degrees and types of weathering. There are several good sources on the Internet, if you search around. If you don't have any working rails nearby, check through some issues of Trains, Railfan, Railpace, or any magazine that has features on the real railroads. While you are getting some cars ready, take a few photographs of freight cars along your local railroad, or in a nearby freight yard. Swap meets and garage sales can garner a few victims. You know, the ones that are on sale at two for a dollar, or four for ten dollars. To begin weathering models of rolling stock, get a few cheap cars to play with. Always work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside, when using a spray can. If you want to fade or modify some of the lettering on the car, do that first before using Dullcote, as the over spray will fix the lettering as it is. This can also form a base with a little more "tooth" for some of the techniques mentioned later. Use a spray from a can of Testors brand "Dullcote" (or a similar product that dulls a finish) to lightly cover the car. Just killing this plastic shine can make your rolling stock look a little more realistic. In many cases, our new freight cars are a little too shiny as they come right out of the box. I'll cover a few techniques I enjoy using on some of my models that can get you started. Mud, dirt, dust, rust, vegetation, spilt cargo, oils, peeling paint, garbage, faded lettering and paint, scrapes, and graffiti are all forms of weathering. All cars have some form of weathering that has accumulated on the sides, ends and underbody of the freight car.
![the weathering magazine fading the weathering magazine fading](https://www.michtoy.com/michtoy2015/products/AMIG-4520-6.jpg)
When you are trackside, do you see any freight cars that are truly clean? Unless you are beside the tracks at a factory which makes freight cars, the answer is 'no'. Weathering railroad rolling stock is a subtle way of adding a bit of realism to your model trains.