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In-Box Review
Weathering Solution Set #1
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by: Charles Reading [ CREADING ]

INTRODUCTION

Doctor Ben, or Richard E. Bendever has been providing the world of model railroading innovative and superior products since the 1980’s. Continued interest in how Richard created his National Model Railroad Association award winning dioramas prompted him to make his techniques and products available to model builders. The line includes Weathering Solutions, pigments, scale building materials, tools and ‘ready to use’ products such as tree stumps and wall sections.

review

I wanted to try Dr. Ben’s Weathering Solution since I saw them on his website. I am a great admirer of model railroads and know well that many, if not all techniques used in weathering a RR layout can be applied to armor dioramas.

I received four 4oz. jars of the Weathering Solution in the set:
Granite Ballast Grey a light grey color.
Pond Scum which is a dark, muddy green in color.
Grimy, Dusty Buff a brown/tan color.
Huck’s White Wash obviously white in color.

The Weathering Solutions are an alcohol based ‘wash’.
Also included in the package was a 13 page color booklet titled “How-To #1” (The Art of Turning Toys into Models) which basically walks you through using the products, a price sheet/catalogue showing and describing all of the Doctor Ben product line.

First thing I did was apply the product straight from the jar onto some plaster blocks I had, to give an idea what they would be like if used straight to paint a plaster building. The colors are strong and hold well on raw plaster. The recesses are more concentrated in color which, of course, is what you want a wash to do. Normally, I would have applied the wash over a painted surface, but I was curious to see how the ‘solution’ would work on raw plaster.

In photo Demo 1, the ‘Granite Ballast Grey’ wash is on top, the ‘Grimy, Dusty Buff’ wash is in the middle and the green ’Pond Scum’ is on the bottom row. One coat of each color.

In photo Demo 2 I applied the washes to smoother ‘blocks’.

In photo Demo 3 I’ve used the green (Pond Scum) wash and attempted various intensities of the color. The darker blocks have two passes with the brush.

In photo Demo 4 I’ve used various intensities of the buff in conjunction with other weathering techniques on a smoke stack with a flat black base.

In photo Demo 5 I’ve used several washes including the green ‘Pond Scum’ on the deck of the ship.

I then applied the weathering solutions to some pre-painted road wheels. The base color was a grey green and, as you can see in the photos, the washes make a tremendous difference. I know, I normally wouldn’t use the “ballast grey” or “pond scum” on a dark green scheme, but this is for demonstration purposes.
I plan on using the ‘white wash’ for a winter tank scheme as it gives a perfect worn look when applied and gently wiped off.

conclusion

Over all, when compared to other “wash” products that I have used, it appears that Dr.Ben’s is more concentrated. I can use it slightly stirred for a ’lighter’ application or fully shaken and mixed for a full, almost paint like affect. The product can be wiped off the high spots while still wet or wiped with a cloth moistened in alcohol after it has dried. Many different effects can be achieved.

There are over 25 colors in the Doctor Ben’s Weathering Solution line. All can be applied to terrain, structures or vehicles depending on the weathering effect you are looking to create. Weathering Solution is sold in 4oz. jars at $6.49 each or 10oz. jars at 10.95 each. There is a #1 set of four 4 oz. jars available (reviewed set) and there will probably be future sets available.
SUMMARY
Highs: Great selection of colors and effects. Strong color saturation. Very easy to use. Consistent color. About twice as much product for about half the cost when compared to other manufacturer’s ‘washes.’
Lows: None.
Verdict: I will definitely be purchasing more of the Weathering Solution in the near future.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: 1060
  Suggested Retail: $23.95
  PUBLISHED: May 26, 2009
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.80%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 95.00%

Our Thanks to !
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Charles Reading (CReading)
FROM: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

I live in the mountains north of Santa Cruz California. I have been building now since the early 1990's when I rediscovered modeling. Most of my kits are built with dioramas in mind. I took a "creative block" hiatis for a couple years - 2011 to 2013. I wasn't active in the modeling world. During tha...

Copyright ©2021 text by Charles Reading [ CREADING ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

They look like nice pigments. But I gotta ask................ Is that really his name?!?!?! "Dick Bend-ever"???? OMG his parents had a sense of humor.
MAY 26, 2009 - 03:36 AM
Thanks for the review Charles, this looks like good stuff. It's good to have choices and you are right, this product is very economical.
MAY 26, 2009 - 09:38 AM
if it is alcohol based, would it affect acrylic finishes?
MAY 26, 2009 - 10:41 AM
Yes! It will! These washes will strip acrylic paint and Future clear coat. They should be used on enamel finishes, or on an acrylic paint job protected by enamel clear coat or Testors' Glosscote or Dullcote (which is a laquer).
MAY 26, 2009 - 12:37 PM
Looks like good stuff. Thanks for the review. 46 different colors is a lot.
JUN 14, 2009 - 12:11 AM
   
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