How to Use Deluxe Materials Scenic Rust

If you have model vehicles you can’t find a use for on your model railway layout, have you considered applying a rusted effect to them, turning them into a feature of their own? This can be a great, quick way to add a unique touch to your layout.

A rusted model Airfix tank sits at the side of a model railway layout, taken over by overgrown woodland.
A rusted model Airfix tank sits at the side of a model railway layout, taken over by overgrown woodland.

In our case, we had a slightly damaged Airfix Sherman Tank Kit that could no longer be sold on the shop floor, and decided to put it to use by turning it into an abandoned, rusted tank to add extra detail to a model railway set-up. We decided to make it look as though it was abandoned, weathered and hidden in some woodland - something that did actually happen in the run up to D-Day, when lots of equipment was either left or forgotten about in and around Sussex and Hampshire.

Here, we’ll talk you through how to use the Deluxe Materials Scenic Rust Kit to add a rusted effect to model vehicles on your own layouts.

Deluxe Materials Scenic Rust

The contents of the Deluxe Materials Scenic Rust Kit laid out on a cutting board, including the rust powder, a pipette, and a spatula.
The contents of the Deluxe Materials Scenic Rust Kit laid out on a cutting board, including the rust powder, a pipette, and a spatula.

Deluxe Materials Scenic Rust is a fantastic product that can be used to add a brilliantly realistic rusted effect to brand new models. Bring an extra touch of realism to your displays with the Scenic Rust kit, which includes:

  • Scenic binder
  • Rust powder
  • Rust developer
  • Mixing cup
  • Pipette
  • Spatula
  • Instructions

The Scenic Rust can be used on any surface you can paint, including wood, plastic or metal. The rust effect will appear just hours after it’s applied.

Applying Scenic Rust to a Model Tank

Firstly, the kit needs to be built. We assembled the Airfix Sherman Tank Kit as per the instructions, but we left the tracks off and the hatches open. This was simply because we felt it would look more authentic when it was left ‘abandoned’ on our layout.

The assembled Airfix Sherman Tank Kit on a cutting board. The tank has been sprayed using a light olive-coloured paint.
The assembled Airfix Sherman Tank Kit on a cutting board. The tank has been sprayed using a light olive-coloured paint.

Once the glue was completely dry, we sprayed the tank with Humbrol Light Olive to give it a base colour for the weathering to work on. This was left to dry overnight.

Then it was time to get creative and apply some weathering with paints. Here, we used watered down acrylics from Revell and Railmatch. Both ranges have a good selection of browns and greys to use, and Railmatch even has some light and dark rust colours in their range, which would be appropriate for this model.

The olive-coloured Airfix Sherman Tank model has now been weathered using different shades of brown paint.
The olive-coloured Airfix Sherman Tank model has now been weathered using different shades of brown paint.

Once this initial weathering was dry, it was time to add the Deluxe Materials Scenic Rust. Sprinkle the powder carefully on to the model, using a clean and dry paint brush to move the powder where you want it – you can build up several layers if required. Once you are satisfied with the placement, gently drop the developer onto the rust. Again, leave the model overnight to allow the rust to properly develop. It should then be ready to be secreted in some woodland.

The Airfix Sherman Tank model painted in olive green, weathered with brown paint, and finished with Deluxe Materials Scenic Rust. The tank now looks naturally rusted.
The Airfix Sherman Tank model painted in olive green, weathered with brown paint, and finished with Deluxe Materials Scenic Rust. The tank now looks naturally rusted.

For a final finishing touch, you might even like to add a few children or other model figures to your layout to use the old rusted tank as a climbing frame, photo oppertunity or excavation site.

The rusted Airfix Sherman Tank Kit hidden in woodland at the side of a model railway layout.
The rusted Sherman Tank hidden in woodland at the side of a model railway layout.

Shop Modelling Materials at Gaugemaster

The Airfix collection includes a good range of 1:72 scale model vehicles that lend themselves perfectly to Deluxe Materials Scenic Rust. It’s a great way to add some variation to your usual model railway scenery.

Find all the modelling materials you need to add extra detail to your layout at Gaugemaster, from paints to tools and the models themselves. Shop the full collection online or in-store today at the model shop for big imaginations.

 

 

This article has been written by our staff here at Gaugemaster, drawing on thousands of hours of modelling experience. Each article has been written to make it easy for everyone from beginner to expert to learn and expand their own knowledge base. If there is something you would like to see covered, feel free to contact us to suggest a topic - we’d love to hear from you.

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