Schlitz reefer

[tom mann]

I wanted to make an old reefer with most of the lower paint faded away, like the one on page 5 of the Morning Sun Refrigerator Car Color guide.  I used some fine sand paper to remove some of the lettering, and then just airbrushed the bottom grey (to look like old wood), waited for it to dry, and then faded it into the top with a wet brush.  I used some NeoLube on the frame to get a nice metallic color (like the taste of Schlitz).  Last step was an Ivory Black wash all around.

[Missaberoad]

That looks absolutely stunning... 

How long did you allow the grey to dry before fading it with the brush?

[tom mann]

That looks absolutely stunning... 

How long did you allow the grey to dry before fading it with the brush?

Thanks, a few minutes...just enough to look dry but still easily removable.

[Scottl]

Very nice.  I like how you mix up methods so that the effects vary from project to project.  If you were to line them up this would enhance the realism compared to a more batch-like approach.

When is the next book coming? 

[tom mann]

Very nice.  I like how you mix up methods so that the effects vary from project to project.

In the past, I was on the lookout for new techniques and trying to "up my game" from one project to the next.  This got overwhelming, since each new project would take longer and longer.  I finally realized that life is short, time is in short supply, and I need to concentrate on a few techniques (and materials) that allow me to quickly get a good looking result.  Each model may not be blue ribbon quality, but I am rapidly finishing the stock that I have on hand.

[wazzou]

@tom mann - looking good but I wonder if there shouldn't be a little more variation amongst individual boards?

[Chris333]

Reefer board gaps look good. 

[chicken45]

Reefer board gaps look good. 

FTW

[tom mann]

@tom mann - looking good but I wonder if there shouldn't be a little more variation amongst individual boards?

I would think so if viewed up close, but the photo in the book was taken from as far back as my model appears to be and the grey wood looks like one shade of dark grey.

I acquired several Schlitz cars when I was modeling a steam-era Beer Line ( @Dave Schneider ) for $16 each (a steal, given recent ebay prices).  I might just do another one with more wood variation (and maybe knotholes).

[Puddington]

Outstanding; looks like the wear and tear on a CPR Reefer I have seen in the Winnipeg rail museum.... Really exceptional work Tom.

[Missaberoad]

Outstanding; looks like the wear and tear on a CPR Reefer I have seen in the Winnipeg rail museum.... Really exceptional work Tom.

http://www.wpgrailwaymuseum.com/reefer-cars.gif

I was thinking of the very same car when I saw Tom's.

[Lemosteam]

[member=11]tom mann[/member], please expound on the all over wash?  What is the process?  Thin the media, dip the whole car and wipe off the excess? Or is it applied thin with a wide brush and then wiped off?

These washes are what elude me the most as I learn from all this greatness.  Yes I plan to buy your book when I start mass-weathering...

[tom mann]

[member=11]tom mann[/member], please expound on the all over wash?  What is the process?  Thin the media, dip the whole car and wipe off the excess? Or is it applied thin with a wide brush and then wiped off?

These washes are what elude me the most as I learn from all this greatness.  Yes I plan to buy your book when I start mass-weathering...

Well, the book explains what to do

I apply with a brush that is wide enough to span features on a car.  That is, a brush that fits on panels or in-between ribs.  The Blatz car, needing to give more individuality to each board, required a very small brush. During application, you can wipe some off with a cleaned brush, but as you do it more often you know how much media to "carry" to the car so very little needs to be wiped off.

[Lemosteam]

Thanks Tom!  That makes sense. I assume you always pull the brus parallel to the feature as well.

[wazzou]

Just think how nature and gravity work.  Usually from top to bottom.