Helmuts Hobbies Custom Models

We will be offering custom painted and weathered models in this section from time to time, so check back to see what's new!  We can weather your new models before delivery or contact us for a quote on weathering models from your collection.  These models are not something that can be rushed, so please be patient if it takes a few weeks.  See the UP Big Boy page by clicking the button to the left.

All of this began with a customer discussing how awful he thought the Märklin factory weathered Old Ladies looked.  He wanted a weathered PRR Mikado, but was not really happy with the Märklin version.  So he coaxed me into weathering one for him.  I have a whole host of PRR information and photographs here for reference, so it seemed like a natural project to undertake.  We were both happy with the results, so I decided to share the project with you here.

PRR's locomotives were typically dirty from hard work with signs of road grime, soot and sand residue, but they were always well maintained.  They did not look like rust buckets from the bone yard.  Our weathering is a multi step process, which starts with stripping all traces of lubricant from the locomotive and the removal or masking of windows.  We then use washes of various weathering colors to get the dirt into the proper places.....those nooks and crannies, which will stay clean if weathered only with an air brush.  We then use weathering chalks to highlight and pick out specific details, add soot accumulation etc.  The models are then airbrushed with final weathering colors to tie everything together.  Finally, a clear coat to protect the finish to ensure years of enjoyment.  We then lightly lubricate all moving parts once again. A weathering job of this quality typically takes 3-5 hours, but the results speak for themselves.  Check out these shots of out latest project locomotive.  Attention to detail makes the difference. 

Were PRR's locomotives green or black?  Well, they were painted DGLE (dark green locomotive enamel), which depending on the lighting and age, looked black when new, greener when faded or dusty and gray-black after years of road grime accumulation.  So the debate goes on as to what is the correct shade of green for a new model. 
 

A new custom coal load finishes off the model.
 

The brass plates on the smoke box doors were kept clean like the bell.
 

Locomotives assigned to the Allegheny mountains typically had white sand residue on the drivers and trailing trucks.

Cab windows on this model were modified to be in the open position.
 

Proper weathering really makes Märklin's fine detail pop out.
 

Friction bearing trucks almost always had signs of oil seepage at the bottoms of the journal boxes and around the journal box lids.  Also, a little rust here and there, but very little.
 

Märklin 43410 based SBB cab control car with red cab.  Model features triple LED headlights which change over to a single red marker light when traveling in the reverse direction.  Weathered version available too!

For Märklin AC conventional and digital operation

Trix version for 2-rail DC and DCC operation