I'm working on laying down roads for my HO scale layout that is set in the Late 1940's era and I'm looking for some ideas on weathering the streets to look right. This will be in a small downtown area and the streets will be concrete. I have made the streets from posterboard, and painted them an aged concrete color (Folk Art Linen with a touch of Hippo Grey). They have not been installed on the layout yet, because I wanted to do the bulk of the weathering at my work area, instead of bent over the layout. I tried a small test section where I scribed in expansion joints and various cracks in the pavement that I liked the looks of. I then tried to do an inda ink in alcohol wash on this and it ended up muddling the concrete color and wash color together in a big mess. I think I need to work on my wash technique. Any suggestions are very welcome.
The next test was with black chalk powder. This looks better, but I think Its a little too dark, and I'm not entirely sure if the darkest area should be in the tire path, or between the tires. I've seen photos, that show either way, so I guess I'm covered, no matter which way I choose. Any suggestions for techniques using chalk to get the right effects?
I plan on adding some darker, oily spots at intersections, to simulate oil drips accumulating while waiting their turn at the stop signs. Would manhole covers have been prevelant in the late 40's, and if so, how freqent, one a block, two, three...? Would these have been in the street, or would they have been in the sidewalk if possible?
As you can see, I have quite a few questions, so feel free to let loose with the information if you wish.
As alway, thank you in advance for your help.
HD
The next test was with black chalk powder. This looks better, but I think Its a little too dark, and I'm not entirely sure if the darkest area should be in the tire path, or between the tires. I've seen photos, that show either way, so I guess I'm covered, no matter which way I choose. Any suggestions for techniques using chalk to get the right effects?
I plan on adding some darker, oily spots at intersections, to simulate oil drips accumulating while waiting their turn at the stop signs. Would manhole covers have been prevelant in the late 40's, and if so, how freqent, one a block, two, three...? Would these have been in the street, or would they have been in the sidewalk if possible?
As you can see, I have quite a few questions, so feel free to let loose with the information if you wish.
As alway, thank you in advance for your help.
HD