Removing Roadblocks – March 2023

Modelling should be a pleasing and pleasant time. When my workspace doesn't work, the pleasure evaporates and I don't want to model. Recently, Dan Cecil shared his 'portable' modelling workspace on the HO Scale Shelf Modelers group on Facebook. The photo below shows it set out on his dining room table. I want to talk...

Scenery techniques that might surpise you

Most of my scenery projects are focused on model railways/railroads. While I've seen a layout in pure grayscale before (here in Oz), I've never seen anyone work through making a diorama with that as a step. (Note: you could apply this technique to a micro layout too!) Diorama - The Calm Before The Storm -...

Bricks are not easy to paint so they look right – until now…

Convincingly modelling (and painting) bricks is not easy. You can certainly just spray one colour, put some grout colour in the spaces and then clean up. Getting colour variation? That's not so easy. Until now, thanks to Uncle Night Shift. Carving Bricks And Stones Into A Block Of Styrofoam Uncle Night Shift's video shows more...

GE 70 Tonner (HO Scale) Oil Weathering – Body work (mostly) complete

The oil weathering of the body of #27 is mostly complete. Cleanup was the first step to sort out a few issues with the previous application, then edge and panel lightening, and a little more rust work. Work in progress So at the end of the weekend, with a little more work on in washes,...

GE 70 Tonner (HO Scale) Oil Weathering ongoing

The oil weathering that started last weekend is now at a stage I'm happy to call almost complete. There is a little cleanup to do, and then weathering powders to finish off. Work in progress I'm going to do some more of that cleanup tonight, having given the oils some time to go off. Otherwise,...

70 Tonner weathering continues

Yesterday's oil weathering dried under the heater vent overnight. So a little more work today. Work in progress More oil filters on the loco today, along with some oil paint chipping using torn-off bits of makeup sponge, in a manner similar to dry brushing (dry sponging anyone?). Colours used for those interested are: Emerald Green,...

2021-03-19 – Weathering on a W8 Class Tram

It's not often that those of us looking to weather items of scale rolling stock have access to a vehicle with a pantograph. Luckily, every now and then I do have that access. I've added a new gallery of Melbourne's iconic W8 trams, this time focusing on tram #928. Taken on March 16, 2021 #928...

Feb 18, 2021 – An addition to the finishing post

A couple of days ago I posted that my painting of models was not my strong point and that I'm working to improve my finishing by documenting what I do so that I can review my results and improve over time. Looking back over my resources I noticed that I had not yet made a...

Feb 13, 2021 – A new modelling section: Finishing

The most difficult part of model making for me is the finishing of the model. That is the painting and varnishing steps. I’ve never enjoyed that part of the process. So in order to address what I believe are my shortcomings I’ve added this section to attempt to record my process and to show how...

Modelling & Weathering under LED light

Have you ever tried something you've thought about for a while and come away happy with your result? Modelling in a new (LED) light The new work lights I got yesterday came in handy today. I began work on one of my two Bachmann DCC (but no sound) equipped GE 70 Tonners today. Even with...