N Scale: Weathering solid BLI drivers

[robertjohndavis]

Hi -

I picked up a couple of Broadway Limited USRA steam locomotives and weathering will commence soon. I was wondering what techniques fellow modelers have used to highlight the “spokes” without accentuating the “solid wheel” between them?

It seems typical airbrush or chalk weathering would highlight the pancake.

All the best,

Rob

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Perhaps something like Tamiya's panel lining (or just a black wash) that is flowed into the recesses will help "reset" things.

[robertjohndavis]

I’ve just started playing with Tamiya panel liner after years of other methods. It’s an interesting product. I was worried it might “fill in” between the spokes but it’s worth a shot.

[Cajonpassfan]

Interesting topic. I had to look up what a "panel liner" is and I'm still not sure I understand the process as it comes with brush. And since it's an enamel I'd be a little nervous about trying it on a pricy locomotive😬 Maybe a spare set of similar drivers first?
Following with interest.
Otto

[dem34]

You load the brush with the paint, then just dab it onto an area where you want a dark wash. I use the brown one for Diesel Exhaust and Dynamic fan grilles which also doesn't really need to be wiped off later. As long as its not an overall application you don't need to clean it afterward with thinner, but the general idea is that the Enamel thinner doesn't interact with the usual acrylic and laquer paints used in models.

[Chris333]

[Cajonpassfan]

Very cool. Thanks Chris.
Otto

[randgust]

The Atlas 4-4-0 (Micro-Ace) has the same problem; solid drivers.

I did my entire locomotive basically in grimy black including the drivers, and then used a fine-tip sharpie in dark black to color in the spaces between the spokes.   Lot easier to manipulate than a brush.   Here's the end result:



Link:  http://www.randgust.com/S&T409.jpg

That's the same locomotive where I did the boiler jacket in Testors Steel and then rubbed Neolube over it and polished it to get Russia Iron.   Prototype had that very distinctive shiny boiler jacket.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Man, feels like another job for Ventablack.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vantablack


Actually, go Black 2.0. Screw Anish Kapoor.
https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-2-0-Flattest-pigmented-waterbased/dp/B0758GKKGZ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=black+3.0+paint&qid=1661352172&sr=8-3

[Maletrain]

From Ed's first link:

"As of 2022 Vantablack coatings are very costly,[9] and cannot be supplied to private individuals, and samples are only available for applications considered "valid" by the supplier."

Second link is available.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

From Ed's first link:

"As of 2022 Vantablack coatings are very costly,[9] and cannot be supplied to private individuals, and samples are only available for applications considered "valid" by the supplier."

Second link is available.

Yep. That whole Ventablack thing is crazy, but the Black 2.0 stuff seems to be a viable option. Anyone want to get a bottle and dole it out?

[nkalanaga]

Paint the entire wheel black, then dry-brush the spokes with a lighter color?

[robertjohndavis]

Thank you. I appreciate you sharing your experience and images.

I am hoping to get to working on my pancakes this week.

As of now my plan is to paint the wheels black and try panel liner around the spokes. I expect the spokes will need some kind of gray dry brushing as well. I’m looking forward to the project. Will share the results.

And hopefully won’t have to deal with this again on a $250 locomotive.


All the best,

Rob

The Atlas 4-4-0 (Micro-Ace) has the same problem; solid drivers.

I did my entire locomotive basically in grimy black including the drivers, and then used a fine-tip sharpie in dark black to color in the spaces between the spokes.   Lot easier to manipulate than a brush.   Here's the end result:



Link:  http://www.randgust.com/S&T409.jpg

That's the same locomotive where I did the boiler jacket in Testors Steel and then rubbed Neolube over it and polished it to get Russia Iron.   Prototype had that very distinctive shiny boiler jacket.