I mentioned above that I add a small amount of talc in the oil mix, this seems to help speed up the drying process, plus, imho, it leaves a ‘marbling’ effect that helps give an aged feeling, 
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G, 
6 Likes
The talc is definitely a good addition and the way forward. Gives a nice rough look to it as you imagined it would … Great idea… And the colour looks great btw 
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Looks like a Brunel original, truly excellent G. Now, if you could just get the foundry raised lettering on one of those beams… 
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Thanks both for the positive feedback, it’s much appreciated, 
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As for foundry marks, hmmm!, .
Hope I K Brunel did a better job than me Tim, if the The Royal Albert Bridge gets that rusty and collapses it’ll ruin my garden, 
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G,
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Hi all,
Finished adding all the rivets that I can be bothered with, , I appreciate that engineering-wise they’re not realistic and that there should be a lot more, but they’re added simply to give a feel, 
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I’ve given a base colour to all the steel elements that will be visible and have started to add darker colours to the underside as the base colour is quite bright.
The paint is still wet, so should dry a tad duller, .
Cheers, ,
G
6 Likes
Coming along a treat G. Those colours are going to be great as well. Any ideas on the rest of it yet ?
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Once I’ve finished the rust I’ll cover with grey acrylic paints and then do some chipping work on it, most of the rust won’t be visible once I’ve finished,
G,
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And still going along the lines of a UXB scene at ground level ?
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Yes, still going with the UXB scenario.
G,
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You turn things around. First rust, then paint. The common people paint first and add chipping with rust later. Ah well, it keeps you from causing mischief… 
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I’ve always been backwards Erwin, .
G,
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Hi all,
I’ve never done such extreme weathering like this before, yes I’ve added the odd streak or three of rust on a tank…and yes, that was on top of the paintwork as pointed out by Erwin, , but this is a real learning experience.
I’m trying to replicate the fact that in real life rust typically occurs beneath the paintwork. I’m practicing on a small area on the underside of the bridge as it won’t be so noticeable if I mess it up, 
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So here goes my first attempt, .
Being 1/72nd scale adds to the difficulty, so please feel free to critique and/or share suggestions.
Cheers, ,
G
5 Likes
It looks really nice, but I wonder why so much rust on the underside? The only entry point for water is around the holes, therefore no other place would be rusty? It isn’t touched by anything, so no scuffing or scratches…
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A valid point my friend, and one I can easily rectify if others share your view. I’m no expert so always happy to take advice from those more knowledgeable in such matters.
For my part I imagined that a railway line and its environs to be a very aggressive environment, especially during the age of steam. On top of that I imagined, again, that during wartime maintenance would have been poor.
All views/opinions welcome, .
G,
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I did find this, it’s unclear as to whether it’s a bridge in service, so I accept that it could easily be an image of a disused bridge, but it’s the sort of appearance that I’d imagined, .
G,
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I don’t think you are far off mate. The method you are using looks good and results are pretty close to the mark. I would say the level of rust you are showing underneath is not far off. A fair few places we go dog walking have turn of the century rail bridges like this one, some still in use and some long abandoned…but they all pretty much have a uniform level of rust showing through underneath like yours.
Believe me over time it all rusts. The picture shown later I will bet is off a bridge still in service. What you are looking at is primarily surface rust and not a structural problem.
That actual photo’s surely your perfect reference – if you can replicate that who can gainsay you? Well, leave out the pink spot of course. Again I’m a broken record but I’m amazed you can do this at 1:72 scale, just brilliant
I happily stand corrected… Ignore my previous message and carry on…
A big thanks to John, Tim S, Tim M, and Erwin for their supporting comments, all feedback is greatly appreciated, , it helps keep me on the tracks…so to speak, .
G,
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