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.

Hi all! I am attempting to model the Milwaukee Road in Western Wa during the early 70's. Lot's of Milwaukee to come!! My one problem was the Milwaukee road [ ... ]

Is so awesome!! Not exactly prototypical, but Milwaukee Road none the less! So glad someone made this!!

For the TL;DR - just scroll down an look at photos is useful since it's about architecture :) Feedback appreciated !

I want my layout to have a high level [ ... ]