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So I was going through some other sites and found a contest for a weathered flatcar with load. I figured what the heck I've wanted to try weathering, have some Bragdon powders so this is what I did today. I took the trucks, wheels and couplers off and hit them with some Dulcoate then started working with the powders. At first I put the powder on then hit with more dulcoate but it seemed to wash it away so I just stuck with powder only, the package says it will stay in place without the dulcoate. I've got a couple of months to finish two cars and the loads not due until 1/13 so I can try other things if I need to but for now just let me have it and tell me what y'all think of my first time trying weathering.
I echo the above - looks great. Try to find a prototype pic of one of these flats and look at the detail around the tie-downs. An experienced modeler told me to always make sure to look at a picture because our recollection isn't as clear as a picture. You might be able to enhance what you have based on what you see.
It really looks great!
This image I found doing a google image search for "depressed center flatcar"
I find that weathering powders leave a really dusty look, and a coat of thinned black (or even just something like dullcote) tones it down nicely. I apply mine with alcohol and thinned Elmer's glue.
My first attempt looked like it'd lost a fight with a swamp creature. Yours looks a whole lot better.
