A quick and simple method to get rid of the plastic new freight car look is to spray a light coat of Dullcoat.  This will take away the 'toy' train look of your layout.  If you don't have any Testor's Dullcoat you can use any Matte Finish spray to get the same results.  Just a simple spray to each side and let dry.  This can be done to any plastic kits also.

Found a new resource for windows,doors,buildings,and cars/trucks ect.It's called micronart. You can find them on the web at www.micronart.com they can definetly [ ... ]

Hopper Weathering Clinic
By Bill Mock
December 2009

Here is the first stages of weathering of my new BN [ ... ]

I've finally added as much plaster cloth as I expect I'll need, and have moved on to priming the base before painting it.  Priming made it look unfamiliar, [ ... ]