Description

Weathering Powder Set 1; Lime and Cement.

Eckon Weathering Powders are Non-toxic, Water-soluble Weathering Powders developed for easy weathering, Structured in to packs for specific uses. Pack 1, Lime, Is an all-in-one for one of the messiest of cargoes.

Historic context;

Lime was one of the big minerals of the early Industrial Revolution, being a core element for Pre-Thomas process Steel manufacture, Cement, Concrete, Lime wash and other core construction materials, as well as being used as a fertilizer. The problem with Lime is that it is caustic, it reacts with water, sweat in the skin and water in the air. The wagons to transport Lime mostly did not change for a century, From the 1850s to the 1950s. Most were owned and cleaned between operational cycles by the private owner. To minimise contact with the material, the wagons were loaded and unloaded generally by chute, and would get heavily stained. In the 1960’s, BR introduced the Conflat L, then followed with the Presflo project.

The colours chosen represent the typical cargoes that would stain these wagons. Lime, freshly slaked, was generally white, but impurities would generally discolour it with exposure. In the UK, the most common discolouration is to a pale yellow, so the colours provided are White, for fresh lime, followed by a discoloured cream for aged lime. Cement also features a high lime content and so feature as the fine grey. Finally, a darker shade of yellow for Post-industrial “factory” lime, with impurities from the Iron process, for Fertilizer use.

BR would not clean the earlier vehicles, to avoid caustic burns, however, they would still clean away build-up on key details, with coarse, long handled brushes (BR Midland Region Goods Circular 1962.)

Cement was also transported, Bagged, in covered vans and open wagons. The bags would be inclined to split. Wagons transporting these materials would carry company stickers, often that of Blue Circle.

Other loads that have similar attributes are Salt (White), China Clay (White and Grey), and for the adventurous, concentrated powder lemonade (transported in Vans, Light Yellow). The Dark Yellow can also be used for some military munitions, and chemical goods. Ideal for introducing variation in to wagon rakes.