One of the things that I love most about modelling is the final touches that weathering brings to a model. In my mind, it brings a vehicle or a building to life. Particularly as I model the early 20th century, coal-powered, pre-Smokeless Zone world.
I've recently finished putting the transfers on this Slaters Midland Railway ventilated van. It's depicted in a fairly new version of Midland Grey - there have been many discussions and illustrations on how the actual grey paint changed and became darker with age, But with a vehicle like this, I did worry about how I was going to bring out the depth of the louvres and the planks. The light grey paint was very much too stark:
So, I was mooching around online, as I'd decided that I needed a bottle of Microset to help the transfers on various models settle down - some of my transfer stock must be over thirty years old, and that's not including the ones in unopened kits. So I had found a good price at a military modelling supplier here:
Having to pay postage anyway, IYSWIM, I was having a look around to see what else might be of use. And in the weathering section I lighted upon this "Panzer Grey" wash. Well, the output of Stuttgart isn't too different to the output of Derby in colour...
There is a more full description of the intended use here https://www.gforcemodels.co.uk/ak-interactive-wash-for-panzer-grey-vehicles-250-p.asp
So I gave it a try, applying small amounts on the model with a fine brush. In some respects, it's like the trusty "dirty thinners" of our distant youth. But whether it has an additive, or I'm just more practised at applying it, it really did seem to collect in the cracks and grooves. I ended up with a gentle wash, which I then almost entirely removed by distilled turpentine on a clean brush, to give an overall tone. It's enamel based, so dries more slowly than the somewhat darker Games Workshop "Badab Black" wash that is an acrylic and can sometimes cause patchiness.
It has changed the colour of the whole model slightly, but I'm pleased with the results. It's certainly given the depth to the moulding that I was aiming for:
Oh, and the box that turned up with my order had a couple of random sweets thrown inside

Cheers
Flymo