Help Me Save This Engine

[macjet]

Here is Rock Island 5430. I recently had to redo the cab numbers and I'm just getting around to spraying the clear flat on it. Here is the problem. For some reason the first go around came out as a chalky, milky white. I rechecked my lines and confirmed that there was no moisture in the system. So I went back with Polyscale Gloss to get some of the color back. This worked pretty well. Then I came back with a new, straight from the LHS bottle of Polyscale Flat and got the same milky results.

So, I had planned on a more "dirt" dirty finish but instead it looks like I have a "gravel" dusty finish. I'm looking for ideas on how to further weather this model to help blend in the goof.

Second, why did this flat clear do this twice?

It looks like the two foot rule will be in effect.

 

[mtrpls]

Try a very thin wash of grimy black to eliminate the white. Work it up in layers until you're satisfied. The good thing with this method is that the engine will have a realistic coat of grime on it.

 

[macjet]

What kind of ratio are we talking about? 10:1, 20:1?

 

[UP2CSX]

I'd start at 20:1 and see how it goes. I've seen that kind of chalky look before with Polyscale flat. It seems that they very inconsistent quality control and some lots have been contaminated with whatever causes that white crud. This is one thing I still use either Floquil Dullcote or Krylon Matte Finish rattle cans for. I seem to get more consistent results.

 

[macjet]

Thanks Jim. I did the 20:1 and am very happy with the results. This engine was too far gone (the pics didn't do the damage justice). I went ahead and made this one pretty dirty. Kind of like the old D&RGW units. This unit is for sure number one in line for a bath.

I'll post pics tomorrow.

I used Dullcote on my three SD60's and was very happy with the results. I thought I'd go a step better and use my airbrush for the GP60's. Goes to show where thinking gets me.

 

[enjineerbill]

I'd start at 20:1 and see how it goes. I've seen that kind of chalky look before with Polyscale flat. It seems that they very inconsistent quality control and some lots have been contaminated with whatever causes that white crud. This is one thing I still use either Floquil Dullcote or Krylon Matte Finish rattle cans for. I seem to get more consistent results.

I'll second that.......

 

[macjet]

Here is what I wound up with. A bit heavier then I would have liked but I had little choice with white build up from the clear.

 

[Ronzzr11]

I think it looks good, an obviously heavily used, grimy workhorse.Much more realistic than a fresh out of the box locomotive.
Ronzzr11