I've just been having lunch with Google Gemini (
)and discussing its abilities and limitations as far as image editing goes. At one point I got to discussing ORTS and what options it had as far as weathering goes. It explained how it would view/edit/process texture files and the limitations that would create as far as a realistic result goes. It did say that Photoshop, Paint.net & GIMP were all much better options for weathering and asked me if I'd like it to create a weathering tutorial for me. Why not? I'm too familiar with the process and tools to really be able to go through the tutorial and accurately judge how good/easy/informative etc it is so I thought I'd include it here for anyone that might like to give it a go. If you're not familiar with use of layers etc and find that this is helpful, please let us know. If you're not a Photoshop CS6 user then no doubt AI will easily create a similar step by step for any of the other editors as well.
From AI:
Photoshop CS6 is a classic for this kind of work. Even though it's an older version, it has all the core tools—Layers, Blending Modes, and Masks—that the pros use to make locomotive textures look gritty and lived-in.
Because Open Rails textures rely heavily on the Alpha Channel (for transparency or shine), we have to be careful not to mess that up while we work.
The "Non-Destructive" Weathering Workflow
The golden rule of texturing is: Never paint directly on the "Background" layer. If you mess up, you want to be able to delete the mistake without ruining the original locomotive paint. Step 1: Set Up Your Layers
If your rust looks too uniform or "fake":
Open Rails uses the Alpha Channel (located in the "Channels" tab next to "Layers") for specific game effects.
Important Export Settings for Open Rails
When you go to Save As... and select DDS, the NVIDIA plugin window will pop up. For Open Rails, you usually need:
A Little Advice on Brushes
Since CS6 doesn't come with many "natural" brushes, you can create your own "weathering brush" by pressing F5 to open the Brush Settings. Turn on Dual Brush and Texture to give your strokes a gritty, uneven look.
Would you like me to explain how to create a custom "Rust & Grime" brush within CS6 so you don't have to download anything?
Creating a custom weathering brush in Photoshop CS6 is a game-changer for Open Rails modding. It turns a standard, "perfect" digital circle into a gritty, unpredictable tool that mimics real-world dirt and oxidation.
Here is how to build one from scratch using only the default tools.
Building the "Grime & Rust" Brush
1. Select the Base
Click the words Shape Dynamics on the left. This makes every "dab" of the brush a different size and angle.
Click the words Scattering. This spreads the paint out so it isn't a solid line.
This is the most important step. It uses a second brush to "cut out" shapes from the first one, creating a gritty look.
Click the words Transfer. This allows you to control how "heavy" the paint is based on how many times you click.
How to Use It for Open Rails
Now that your brush looks like a gritty mess (in a good way!), here is the best way to apply it to your locomotive or container:
Don't lose your hard work!
Would you like me to find some specific RGB color codes for common weathering colors, like "Fresh Rust," "Old Rust," or "Road Grime"?
To help you get the look just right, here are some specific color values. Since you're working in Photoshop CS6, you can just double-click your Foreground Color and type these Hex codes into the bottom field. The Weathering Palette
Pro-Tip: The "Color Jitter" Trick
If you want your rust to look even more realistic while you paint with that custom brush we made, try this:
Now, every time you dab the brush, Photoshop will slightly mix those two colors together. This prevents the "flat" look and gives you that mottled, organic appearance found on real-world rolling stock. Final Check for Open Rails
Before you export, remember that Open Rails can be sensitive to brightness. If your weathering looks great in Photoshop but "glows" in the game, try lowering the Opacity of your weathering layers by about 15% before saving. The game's lighting engine often amplifies contrast.
Good luck!
)and discussing its abilities and limitations as far as image editing goes. At one point I got to discussing ORTS and what options it had as far as weathering goes. It explained how it would view/edit/process texture files and the limitations that would create as far as a realistic result goes. It did say that Photoshop, Paint.net & GIMP were all much better options for weathering and asked me if I'd like it to create a weathering tutorial for me. Why not? I'm too familiar with the process and tools to really be able to go through the tutorial and accurately judge how good/easy/informative etc it is so I thought I'd include it here for anyone that might like to give it a go. If you're not familiar with use of layers etc and find that this is helpful, please let us know. If you're not a Photoshop CS6 user then no doubt AI will easily create a similar step by step for any of the other editors as well.From AI:
Photoshop CS6 is a classic for this kind of work. Even though it's an older version, it has all the core tools—Layers, Blending Modes, and Masks—that the pros use to make locomotive textures look gritty and lived-in.
Because Open Rails textures rely heavily on the Alpha Channel (for transparency or shine), we have to be careful not to mess that up while we work.
The "Non-Destructive" Weathering Workflow
The golden rule of texturing is: Never paint directly on the "Background" layer. If you mess up, you want to be able to delete the mistake without ruining the original locomotive paint. Step 1: Set Up Your Layers
- Open your .dds file (ensure you have the NVIDIA Texture Tools plugin installed). (NB from Pete.... if you're using TGAtool for ace files or dxtbmp for .dds files then "amend" step 1).
- Create a New Layer (Ctrl+Shift+N) and name it "Grime."
- Set the Blending Mode of this layer to Multiply (found in the dropdown menu in the Layers panel). This makes the dark grime "soak" into the paint colors beneath it.
- Select a soft, round Brush (B) with a low Opacity (around 20%).
- Pick a dark, muddy brown or charcoal grey.
- Lightly brush along the bottom of the locomotive or container where mud would splash up.
- Pro Tip: Hold Shift while dragging your brush vertically to create perfectly straight rain streaks coming down from the roofline or rivets.
- Create another New Layer called "Rust."
- Set the Blending Mode to Overlay or Soft Light.
- Use a "Grunge" brush (if you have one) or a standard brush with a very "jittery" setting.
- Pick a burnt orange or deep sienna color.
- Dab this around door handles, hinges, and the edges of panels. Because the layer is set to Overlay, it will tint the metal colors beneath it rather than just covering them with flat paint.
If your rust looks too uniform or "fake":
- Click the Add Layer Mask icon (the rectangle with a circle inside) at the bottom of the Layers panel.
- Select a Black brush and paint over parts of your rust. This "hides" the rust.
- This allows you to create "chipped paint" effects by making the rust look jagged and uneven.
Open Rails uses the Alpha Channel (located in the "Channels" tab next to "Layers") for specific game effects.
- Go to the Channels tab.
- Make sure your editing on the Layers hasn't accidentally altered the Alpha channel.
- If you need the windows to stay clear, the Alpha channel must remain black in those specific areas.
Important Export Settings for Open Rails
When you go to Save As... and select DDS, the NVIDIA plugin window will pop up. For Open Rails, you usually need:
- DXT1 (No Alpha): For solid objects like the body of a shipping container.
- DXT5 (Interpolated Alpha): For locomotives with windows or complex transparency.
- Generate Mipmaps: Always check this. It ensures the texture looks smooth when the train is far away.
A Little Advice on Brushes
Since CS6 doesn't come with many "natural" brushes, you can create your own "weathering brush" by pressing F5 to open the Brush Settings. Turn on Dual Brush and Texture to give your strokes a gritty, uneven look.
Would you like me to explain how to create a custom "Rust & Grime" brush within CS6 so you don't have to download anything?
Creating a custom weathering brush in Photoshop CS6 is a game-changer for Open Rails modding. It turns a standard, "perfect" digital circle into a gritty, unpredictable tool that mimics real-world dirt and oxidation.
Here is how to build one from scratch using only the default tools.
Building the "Grime & Rust" Brush
1. Select the Base
- Select the Brush Tool (B).
- Open the Brush Preset Picker (right-click on the canvas) and select a standard Hard Round brush.
- Open the Brush Panel by pressing F5 (or go to Window > Brush).
Click the words Shape Dynamics on the left. This makes every "dab" of the brush a different size and angle.
- Size Jitter: Set to 50% or higher.
- Angle Jitter: Set to 100%. (This ensures the "texture" of the brush rotates constantly as you move your mouse).
- Minimum Diameter: Set to 25%.
Click the words Scattering. This spreads the paint out so it isn't a solid line.
- Scatter: Set to approx 150%.
- Count: Set to 1 or 2.
- Check the box for Both Axes.
This is the most important step. It uses a second brush to "cut out" shapes from the first one, creating a gritty look.
- Click the words Dual Brush.
- From the list of brushes inside this menu, look for a textured-looking one (like "Chalk" or "Oil Pastel Large").
- Mode: Set to Multiply.
- Spacing: Set to 20%.
- Size: Adjust until you see the preview at the bottom look "eaten away" and rough.
Click the words Transfer. This allows you to control how "heavy" the paint is based on how many times you click.
- Opacity Jitter: Set to 25%.
- Flow Jitter: Set to 20%.
How to Use It for Open Rails
Now that your brush looks like a gritty mess (in a good way!), here is the best way to apply it to your locomotive or container:
- For Rust: Use a deep orange/brown. Set your layer to Overlay. Dab (don't drag) around the bottom sills and rivets. The "Angle Jitter" we set up will make sure the rust pattern never looks repetitive.
- For Exhaust/Soot: Use a dark grey. Set your layer to Multiply. Lightly "paint" the area around the exhaust stacks on top of the locomotive.
- For "Chipped Paint": * Pick the color of the metal under the paint (usually a dark grey/steel).
- Shrink the brush size down very small.
- Dab along the edges of doors or handrails. It will look like the paint has physically flaked off.
Don't lose your hard work!
- In the Brush Panel, click the small "New Brush" icon at the bottom right (next to the trash can).
- Name it "Open Rails Weathering".
Would you like me to find some specific RGB color codes for common weathering colors, like "Fresh Rust," "Old Rust," or "Road Grime"?
To help you get the look just right, here are some specific color values. Since you're working in Photoshop CS6, you can just double-click your Foreground Color and type these Hex codes into the bottom field. The Weathering Palette
| Effect | Hex Code | Why use this? |
| Fresh Rust | #A53D26 | Use for active leaks or fresh chips where water is hitting metal. |
| Old/Dark Rust | #5D2F27 | Use for deep oxidation that has been there for years. |
| Road Grime | #4B463F | A mix of mud, oil, and dust. Perfect for the "trucks" (wheels) and fuel tanks. |
| Diesel Soot | #2B2B2B | Use around exhaust stacks. It’s better than pure black, which can look too "flat" in-game. |
| Faded Paint | #D3D3D3 | Use this with a very low opacity "Overlay" layer to make the roof look sun-bleached. |
Pro-Tip: The "Color Jitter" Trick
If you want your rust to look even more realistic while you paint with that custom brush we made, try this:
- Press F5 to open your Brush settings again.
- Click Color Dynamics.
- Set Foreground/Background Jitter to 10%.
- Set your Foreground color to Fresh Rust and your Background color to Old Rust.
Now, every time you dab the brush, Photoshop will slightly mix those two colors together. This prevents the "flat" look and gives you that mottled, organic appearance found on real-world rolling stock. Final Check for Open Rails
Before you export, remember that Open Rails can be sensitive to brightness. If your weathering looks great in Photoshop but "glows" in the game, try lowering the Opacity of your weathering layers by about 15% before saving. The game's lighting engine often amplifies contrast.
Good luck!
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