Weaver and 3rdrail

Just my opinion, but I believe that Scott is smart enough to NOT try and weather ANY of his equipment, which is all painted overseas, in order to please each and every customer opinion on "how much weathering". All my model railroad equipment is weathered, but it is done the EXACT way that I want it done, according to prototype photographs.

I'd rather do it myself also.

Which is why Weaver stresses that there will be no returns on weathered cars. But, its perfect for many people.

My sons once gave me a three car set of Weaver-weathered hoppers. I though they did a fine job .... lightly weathering them.

An excellent poit. Plus, weathering freight cars is one thing, however PROPERLY weathering a steam locomotive mode is pretty difficult, because in my opinion not that menu modelers/custom painters really know what gets "dirty" and were on different railroad's steam power. 

I, on the other hand, do NOT like my models weathered.  So, I would not buy one that is already weathered.

Rick

I'm in the camp of doing it myself as well.  Weathering as we know is an art in and of itself and depends on what each modeler wants.  I always work of proto-type photos because I want to capture that look the best that I can. 

Doing my own weathering is not an option for me.  I'm no artist.  I've had Weaver do several engines with no complaints.

That's good for you, but on the other hand, are you aware of the specifics of all those different "weathering stains/colors" on real steam locomotives? For example, New York Central had very good quality water, so one doesn't see all those mineral deposits up on the turret as would be seen on, say UP or AT&SF, or SP motive power.

This is a factory weathered S Scale Shay by PBL.  It's slightly heavier than I would have liked, but still certainly better than I could do.

PBL sends out a questionnaire for weathering when payment for the model is due, along with photo's of models exhibiting light, medium and heavy weathering or "just like Bill's"(the owner of PBL)  They even ask what type of lighting the model will usually appear under.  They then weather each model individually.

Rusty

I actually love that detail on your engines, I remember photos of a FEF of yours that showed that effect very well.   

Hot Water, 

Would you mind posting that picture?  I'd like to see it.  Thanks!

Here you go:

Please excuse the photo quality as I'm not very accomplished with this new fangled digital photography. Also, please excuse the locomotives in the Engine Terminal & Roundhouse, as they had not yet been up-graded to Kadee couplers when these photos were taken a few years ago.

simple awesome Hotwater, simple awesome.

Why not simply ask Weaver to weather your Sunset model?

Then that would require double un-packing and double shipping, providing even more exposure to potential shipping damage. Besides, I prefer to un-pack my own models FIRST, then run them, then mount the Kadee couplers, then break them in for some time, prior to weathering.

That's my issue as well, rather they unpack it, weather it, repack it and ship it to me.

Yep those are the photos....I love it.  Thank you for reposting those HW.

Hot Water,

Thanks for the pics, it looks very nice.  Really enjoyed looking at them.  Your RR is in a league of its own.

Thanks guys. My I suggest you purchase the OGR "Great Railroads #8" DVD. Rich Melvin and Kelly Lynch did an excellent job, in my opinion.

So ask Weaver if they would become a Sunset dealer for purposes of providing weathering.  I am quite sure they have to unpack imports one way or another.  Did you contact Scott directly?  I bet he could have your model custom weathered right there in Cupertino for a small fee.

Indeed he can by someone who worked for Sunset for many years and does reasonably priced work.

Or contact Forum Sponsor Harry Hieke directly. That way you could have Scott drop-ship your model to Harry first. Just another option.

Stunning locomotive....and great ballast work as well!!!

I agree with HW. Harry Hieke does the weathering for Lionel and MTH.