My first attempt at weathering consisted of alcohol wash, drybrushing and powdered chalk. The boxcar looked dirty but i was not happy with the outcome.
I had purchased ($12) a sample/test pack of the Bragdon powders at the Amherst train show. What made me buy it was that it already had a binder in the powder which gets activated when you apply friction by rubbing it. I did not have to use a spray like Testor’s Dullcote to “lock” in the powders. I am afraid of over-spraying a model so try to avoid it.
I applied the powders using an old toothbrush. Dabbed the tip in the powder and then brushed it on the sides of the caboose in a up-down motion to simulate rust/dirt. I also did some alcohol wash (isopropyl alcohol and a few drops of india ink) on the roof. I again got brush stains which i don’t like. I might have to reduce the strength of the wash.
Here are some of the before and after shots:
I really liked the ease of weathering using the Bragdon powders. It’s a quick way to dirty your rolling stock that would appeal to weathering newbie’s like myself.
Some more pictures:
