Airbrushing - getting the colours right

[PeterBalcombe]

Following my birthday in July I have acquired a reasonable quality airbrush set up which I will start practicing using when the good weather passes and I have hopefully completed outdoor non model railway projects. One potential problem is that I am partly red/ green colour blind which means I tend to call on my long suffering wife to assist me when I am less than certain on colours. In this context ready mixed and clearly labelled colours are particularly helpful. I note that Vallejo supply sets of colours which are mainly military model related. Are there any particular sets Vallejo or otherwise that experienced airbrushers would recommend for weathering of locos and rolling stock and possibly more generally e.g. for track and line side.. I already have a set of basic acrylic colours - black, white, grey, khaki, dark brown and signal red - all mat.These are Tamiya and I have Tamiya thinner. I obviously recognise the importance of using the same make thinners and paint. I have a supply of low value rolling stock and paper / card to practice on before tackling anything more valuable.

[Steve M]

Peter, I can highly recommend the Vallejo Model Air colours as they are already thinned for airbrush use.

They do a number of sets usually labelled with the suffix ‘effects’eg rust or streaking but they can be expensive. I found it more economical to make a note of the contents then order the individual bottles in bulk. There are a number of eBay sellers that do a pick’n’mix which works out about 25% cheaper and avoids ‘doubles’.
If you are weathering steam then there is a US Navy grey set which gives good shades for limescale.

Having said all that, for ‘true’ colours have a look at Railmatch acrylics - I get mine from Howes Models a long with their own thinner.

[PeterBalcombe]

Thank you - very helpful.

[Steve M]

Thank you - very helpful.

No problem Peter.
I should have added earlier, Railmatch fo some weathering shades- my go to selection comprises weathered black, roof dirt, frame dirt and brake dust then add various other shades for rust (plenty to choose from) - these will be airbrushed, washes or weathering powders to suit the situation.