Over Weathering

[Carpo]

Jumpinjan posted the following statement in another thread and I think there is some discussion here that may merit discussion (or revisiting)

Quote "Just about every model anymore, has been "over weathered". That M/S with the massive chipped paint is almost hilarious. Is that what the judges are looking for? How much over-weathering was performed? These planes didn't last long enough in operation, to even producing oil stains from the castor oil!"

I would suggest that each subject would be best addressed as a case by case basis. No judge would be fooled by a heavily and skillfully weathered model if the photographic references used show clean, almost out of the factory finish.

Verlinden has a lot to answer for - the 'Verlinden Method' supplies a formula for finishing a model with no consideration to the state of the real machine.

As a ship modeller too, I am staggered by the heavy weathering used on large ships in small scale! Look at your subject and decide how weathered it ought to be. If a modeller shows a heavily weathered piece, I don't think you can criticise it if you can't supply a photo to back your objections!

Many modellers don't build out of the box models - they often have a specific serial number in mind and photo's to back up their modelling decisions (including but not limited to weathering) (let's not start the colouring debate!)

Last but not least - modelling is a hobby to be enjoyed. I have built models that have been dismissed by the judges and I have built train wrecks that have taken first place - but I had fun building them never the less!
my 2cents worth - Carpo

[RAGIII]

It is funny that it seems judging has come Full Circle since I used to enter contest. In the IPMS contests of the 70's and early 80s', weathering was considered a method of HIDING FLAWS in your Models! I think that you made a point for Aircraft by Aircraft. You say that MS N would not have lasted long enough to get Castor Oil Stains. Look at Voss's Tripe, and a great example is Hawkers Bristol Scout! The Scout has a HUGE amount of staining on the wings adjacent to the fuselage, and on the Length of the fuselage. In the end, only if Historical accuracy is one of the Judging criteria then weathering could be an issue. But beware, Panel Lines in Scale, and a whole new can of Worms can then become issues. Why not enjoy the Artistry and let it go at that?
RAGIII

[bobs_buckles]

Thankfully, I only make models for the pleasure of it. I'm not bothered if I forgot to pick out the third nipple on the rear end of the camshaft or my colour match is off. I make for myself!! And if someone likes it then all the better!!
Regards
Weathered Bob Von Buckle

bobs b.

I have made the same statement on this Forum many times. And unless you are in a contest, most people you show the model to, don't know a DR I from a SPAD. Models are like baby pictures......Did you hear anyone shown a baby picture say " That kid is really ugly " !!!

Having spent 20 yrs in the military, I can tell you that most examples of weathering I have seen in models are extreme. Any bare metal is "spot painted.......so I laugh at models with bare metal showing. And on a carrier plane....the salt would cause rust in minutes.

It would take a year to fade the fabric on an a/c as much as some modellers do.

[Familyman]

Carpo!

I've been thinking the same thing a lot lately. Weathering is the thing nowadays in ww1 a/c modeling! There have been a lot of heavily weathered models on the net lately. Some of them built and weathered in such a skilled and masterfully way, that I can only envy the modelers and I have to confess that I'll probably never be able to do anything alike. But still... They are exaggerated! Especially I'd be careful to weather the wings. In old photos they are almost always in good condition. It is not unusual to see shiny wings with the struts reflecting on them even in planes with a bit ragged fuselage.

Most of all I think that even tough weathering can give a very very nice look to the model, and those who like to do it should do it and even over do it if they want, but it should never ever be a MUST! I have understood that in the world of the military vehicle modelers the worst have already happened: If you go to a competition with a tank model representing something fresh from the factory, you'll be laughed out!

I'm afraid that judges of the modeling competitions here in Finland are a bit of 'some weathering is a MUST' guys, tho over weathering has been criticized lately.


Mikko

[JohnReid]

If you want to weather an airplane build a barnstomer.Have you ever seen the condition of some of those old birds? Cheers! John.

[Tripehound]

What's really evident to me is the myriad of little dents and dings in the sheet metal portions of an aircraft, and on a good many British machines the fabric isn't stretched evenly when it's laced up. I used to fly radio control planes, and the castor oil used in the fuel would find every little pin hole in the finish and soak into the wood if not cleaned off at the end of the day. I would not be surprised to learn that the mechanics wiped down a rotary engined plane after every flight.

[MikeW]

Originally Posted by topgun56

bobs b.

Having spent 20 yrs in the military, I can tell you that most examples of weathering I have seen in models are extreme. Any bare metal is "spot painted.......so I laugh at models with bare metal showing. And on a carrier plane....the salt would cause rust in minutes.

It would take a year to fade the fabric on an a/c as much as some modellers do.

I agree - bare metal - Absolute rubbish - hah

[RAGIII]

Originally Posted by MikeW

I agree - bare metal - Absolute rubbish - hah

LOL, I agree Mike, If It wasn't copywrited I would post that Photo of Hawkers Bristol Scout that had the Castor Oil so carefully wiped down! Off topic, ever see a Japaneese Aircraft from WW1 part 2 with metal showing? lastly, The Data File on the SE5 mentions that the Paint Peeled readily from the Metal Cowl Panels. It also mentions the Touch up Paint applied to these areas. Probably a Perfect Match. So in the end my opinion is if you Do Not overdo without back up Photos ( Hawkers Bristol for Instance) then it is a Nice and realistic effect! JMHO!
RAGIII

[NeilE]

Hi All;

To a point all weathering is speculative, either with references to back it up or without them.

Most weathering is impressionistic and at best is an interpretation of what we see in a reference photo. Most of the time it is most likely highly inaccurate (if accuracy is your beef).

I do it because I like the effects - I have no real pretensions to accuracy when I do so.

Its all fun.

As for IPMS judges, 'verlindenisation', panel lines, pre-shading etc etc - its all fashion really - maybe it will pass or move on to something else as fashion always does....

Though I do worry when I see colour aircraft profiles with way too prominent panel lines.... Is that art imitating art becoming life or what....

Regards

Neil