Customizing Rollingstock

[Anonymous]

Ok, I'm settling in on my plan to create a custom piece of rollingstock for every church where I serve as pastor.  I like the idea of the dry rub decals and the custom designed decals that I can print out and apply.  I also like the idea of sealing them and dull-coating the car after application.  Now, my question is this, should I buy plain rollingstock (harder to find) or should I customize some standard rollingstock.  The first would cut out a step (removing or covering the existing logos etc) and would allow a direct application onto the car.  If I buy a piece of rolling stock that already has a logo on it (much easier to find) I am faced with a decision. 1) Somehow remove the existing logos/decals etc or 2) cover them up.

What I'm looking for are suggestions on what to do with existing logos on rollingstock.  What works, what doesn't?  Is it possible to remove existing logos?  Is it better to just cover them?  What about applying mini-billboards?  Hopefully, ya'll understand where I'm seeking direction. 

BTW, I bought "another" O-gauge magazine today (title to remain nameless) and it has a very nice article on a 3x11 display by Mike Smith called "Poplar Heights".  Kinda inspiring to a guy who's about to begin construction on his 4x8 benchwork (I'm leaving in 5 minutes to go buy the wood for my framework, combination of 2x4 outter frame and cross supports.)  Pictures will come soon.

thanks all

[Roger Bielen]

ATSJer - I'd suggest buying inexpensive rolling stock of the type you want, stripping down to bare plastic, painting, and decaling as you desire.  I've had good success using brakefluid as a paint stripper, someone has told me he had used Pinesol with success.  With whatever you use be sure to wash it in warm soapy water and then priming before repainting.  I've also had success with Krylon and Rustoleum paints.

[CSXect]

ATSJer - I'd suggest buying inexpensive rolling stock of the type you want, .

There are two sources for cheap O gauge rolling stock one is check the ads in OGR and CTT and look for k-line husky line of cars not as detailed and cheapy trucks but for $10.00 worth experimenting with. The other is the 027 grab bag at hobby surplus 3 027 cars for $30 something did this last one myself a couple of times and scored a k-line Chineese new year car the rest was run of the mill stuff.  at these prices you will not be loseing much value if it don't turn out and if it don't turn out you can strip it and give it another try.

[Anonymous]

Excellent ya'll thanks! 

Are all box cars painted or are they mad out of a particular color of material?  I imagine the paint stripper is to take off the sealant and the decals, but is that all that will come off or do I need to go further?

[CSXect]

I think the husky line of cars are molded in color and lettering is painted on, as for regular k-line it may be both depending on the complexity of the livery.

here is the website hobby surplus

http://www.hobbysurplus.com  also known as Amotos hobby shop.

[Roger Bielen]

Are all box cars painted or are they mad out of a particular color of material?  I imagine the paint stripper is to take off the sealant and the decals, but is that all that will come off or do I need to go further?

On the lesser expensive cars (no such thing as cheap in this hobby) they frequently are molded colors.  You can usually tell by checking the inside of the car.  The paint stripping should remove any decalls, printing, etc. and give a clean surface to start with.  If you paint over existing lettering it will frequently bleed through.

[Jumijo]

ATSJer,

I've customized some of our rolling stock. It's very easy to do. Both cars that I repainted already had graphics on them. A pen eraser worked well to rub the existing graphics smooth. Some fine sandpaper (600-800 grit) also works well.

I then painted the cars with Tamiya fine surface primer. It's white and goes on incredibly smooth. That will cover any remaining colors nicely and give you a fresh white surface to start with. Then apply your car's base color.

I've found that water slide decals work well. I make mine using an ordinary toner based printer. I set them with a coat of Krylon Crystal Clear before applying them to the car. When all is dry, I finish off the car with a coat of Testor's Dullcoat.

As for inexpensive cars, you can find cheap rolling stock at train shows. I find $5 - $10 cars all over the place at these events. I also see inexpensive starter set add-on cars at my LHS. These run $9 - $25, but they are brand new.

Jim 

[Anonymous]

Thanks again everyone, ya'll are awesome.  I think next week I may pick up an inexpensive piece of rolling stock to start practicing on, and to test out some methods.  thanks again.

[ChiefEagles]

ATSJer,

I've customized some of our rolling stock. It's very easy to do. Both cars that I repainted already had graphics on them. A pen eraser worked well to rub the existing graphics smooth. Some fine sandpaper (600-800 grit) also works well.

I then painted the cars with Tamiya fine surface primer. It's white and goes on incredibly smooth. That will cover any remaining colors nicely and give you a fresh white surface to start with. Then apply your car's base color.

I've found that water slide decals work well. I make mine using an ordinary toner based printer. I set them with a coat of Krylon Crystal Clear before applying them to the car. When all is dry, I finish off the car with a coat of Testor's Dullcoat.

As for inexpensive cars, you can find cheap rolling stock at train shows. I find $5 - $10 cars all over the place at these events. I also see inexpensive starter set add-on cars at my LHS. These run $9 - $25, but they are brand new.

Jim 

Believe it or not, the eraser thing will work.  Just wash and dry it real good.  As Jim says, regular decals and decal setter [not Solvaset as too strong for thin decals].  I've done 50 or more cars like Jim has indicated.  Look real.  Each car has its own individual number.  My whole fleet of 1980's CN engines and rolling stock are custom done.  Its becomes fun.

[laz 57]

I too have done costom work on gondolas, boxcars,tankers etc.  The best thing I have used when repainting plastic cars was the KRYLON FUSION spray paint does an excellent job of adhereing to the plastic.  Then I have made up decals with a vinyl sticky paper.  Works Great and you have a one of a kind piece.  Get them at LHS when he buys out somebodys collection for $10.00 brand new.

laz57