This weathered effect was achieved by "drybrushing" our alcohol/india ink mixture on the decks before they were adhered to the flatcars. Drybrushing is a modeling technique used to apply a small amount of paint to a model to achieve a highlighting or lightening effect. We use it here to apply small amounts of stain to the decks.

Prototype decks are exposed to the weather and soak up moisture unevenly. Our weathering method simulates the random nature of natural staining of natural wood. This method also brings out the wood grain.

These are the kind of brushes we use to weather our decks. Natural bristles seem to work best.

1. Start by dipping the tip of your brush in a cup of your alcohol/india ink weathering solution. Dab the bristles againt the side of the cup to let some of the stain run off. Then run your brush across some newspaper to let more of the stain come off the bristles.

2. Start on the edge of the deck and run the bristles across the edge of the deck.


3. At about the center of the deck bring the bristles up.


This is the effect you'll get drybrushing your decks.