What better reason do you need to turn off the TV and get into some modelling. Tonight's project will be to turn this Hi-Rail NPBF 32110 AFL hopper into something a little more realistic.
The new hopper straight from the box.
Step 1: Apply rust unevenly to the side of the hopper. This was done using a very shabby paint brush with a small tip that has never been cleaned. I don't clean it so as to get a hard brush with random bristles which gives a streaky look. Note: handrails have been removed, same as original.
Other side of hopper and roof. I like to work from top to bottom, this is to try and simulate the rain/water run off on the wagons side.
Step 2: Paint the hand brake, release and hatch door openers red. If you look at the original it is the same. It's great to use original photos for weathering, this shows you many variations which people don't use. It helps a bit to get some individuality.
Side on view of the red paint applied.
Step 3: Using a second colour, in this case a creamy yellow. Add a little around the heavier areas of rust to simulate the different shades of rust.
Opposite side of wagon. This is similar to a dry brush method. Only apply a little bit of paint to the brush and paint areas. Once you have finished one side go back to the first patch and hit it again without paint. This thins the paint a little more. It can give you a thick and thin patch depending on how much paint you take off on your second run.
Step 4: Same brush uncleaned, only wiping of excess paint, paint areas to simulate diluted fertilizer running down hopper side. This time dip the brush in paint and then thin as you apply to the hopper.
Opposite side. This is done a little randomly but with some thought.
Step 5: When doing the roof area, while the paint is still wet i added ground up white chalk to give the caked on texture of the fertilize build up.
Step 6: Hopper doors need to have white applied. Don't go too crazy as unless it derails you won't see it anyway.
Step 7: White paint with chalk added while wet. A little rust was also applied here.
Step 8: With the airbrush spray underneath the hopper, especially around the hatches.
A view of the roof after spraying. Spraying the hopper just removes the new look of the rust colours and any other original paint shininess.
A view from the side.
Step 9: Back with the rust and brush touch up a couple of areas again with both colours. You will see the difference between this hopper and the one above.
The other side of the wagon. Last jobs was to airbrush wheels with grimey black to remove new look. Hope this may help or inspire some of you guys.
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