I used to model aircraft and is fairly new at autos. I just want to know how much weathering is often done on model cars and motorcycles. I realize autos are different from aircrafts and armor because they do not tend to get very dirty. In fact, the newer and the shinier, the better.
But by weathering, I mean the engines and exhaust. Should I make them look slightly used or in pristine condition like in a car show?
It’s really a personal preference. I usually do mine in “show room” condition, just because I like clean autos. JMHO.
demono69
HEY,
Me too, not only because i like it better, but because it is easier. But it depends on what you want your car to look like. If you want it to be old and used, make it look old and used. Just have fun.
Randy
I had a few muscle cars in the late 60’s and right up till today I am a little anal with the way my cars look. They are spotless. I always model my cars that way.
If I’m building a car to be displayed alone, it is done up in pristene condition. If I’m using cars in a diorama, however, I think a few “rubber donuts” look pretty good down the side of one of the stock cars, or mud and wiper cleaned filthy windows on a 4X4… or made blazing through some snow covered field!
Rust around the fenders of an old tow truck in a diorama, and a glassy sheen on the centerpiece of my mantle. My centerpiece happens to be a 1971 Chevy Monte Carlo made up like Bobby Allison’s “Coca-Cola Chevy”. It’s got a super slick finish, with the decals looking like they’re part of the finish itself, but I blurred the raised white lettering on the tires, as well as blurred the spaces between the holes in the wheels, so the tire appears to be in motion. It’s mounted in a 1/25 size display case, as if he’s in a turn at Bristol by building a mock track surface and retaining wall (that also happens to be blurred). It’s amazing what kind of realistic effect that has! But that could be considered a diorama I guess.
“Yep, then they are weathered!”
Frank
I too like cars when they are totally clean. However, I do appreciate when people add things like heat staining to exhausts and other subtle weathering. I haven’t tried it very much, but definitely intend to. I generally sand the tire tread, but not much more…
Murray
Yeah, I was thinking maybe “subtle weathering”. Like keeping the finish super shiny and pristine…but slight grease at the exhaust or a little bit of heat discoloration.