Reviews DVD Steam Loco Weathering Clinic (DVD)
One of the things I like to have while watching a Model Railroad Tutorial are moments of epiphany like “Now why didn’t I think of that,” “Oh, so that’s how you do it,” and finally “You got some nifty looking jigs dude…” . I experienced plenty of those moments while watching Jeff Johnson’s “Steam Loco Weathering Clinic” DVD.
The main feature on the DVD is a clinic he gave on weathering steam locos at the 2006 Model Loggers Congress in Oregon. In this segment Jeff walks the viewer (quickly) through the steps of weathering an HO Scale Climax engine. His explanations are clear, concise and down to earth. He’s clearly had a lot of experience giving clinics and has a good, light hearted rapport with his audience. He spends a good deal of time describing his tools, jigs and materials. He uses a combination of artists’ chalks and an airbrush for weathering. In addition to showing you how to weather an engine, Jeff also provides explanations of why he uses certain tools and techniques which I found very helpful. The video quality is top-notch with ample close-ups of his work. The only nit-pick I have is that when the camera shifts to filming him from across the room, he can be a little bit harder to hear (but not too bad).
In the “bonus” feature of the DVD, Jeff weathers a Broadway Limited AC-4 Cab Forward using the same techniques as in the clinic. Though I don’t model steam, there are plenty of “take home” ideas and techniques for those who model modern diesel locos. Whether you model steam or diesel, this video is an excellent and well-thought-out reference for weathering your engines.
Run Time: 84 Minutes
Cost: $20.00 plus $3.00 shipping
You can get the DVD here: http://www.trainvideosandparts.com/steamlocoweatheringclinic.html
In addition to being a photographer and video producer, Jeff is author of the MDC Shay Handbook.
For more info on Jeff go to his personal website: http://www.pictures-and-words.com
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