can anyone advise what is the best (easiest) way to change numbers on freight cars. Have a USA coal hopper and the only other ones obtainable here are with the same number.
Any advice appreciated.
Gabby Hayes
In HO scale, the method used depends on the manufacturer and how the numbers are applied, and it's my guess that G scale is the same. Some manufacturers use decals and others use laser printing technology.
I have read of people using brake fluid, rubbing alcohol, Goo-Gone, and many other products in their attempts at removing rolling stock or locomotive numbers, depending on the type of technology used to apply those numbers -- and many have failed or ruined the item in the process.
You might try going over to the Model Railroader magazine's forum and conducting a topic search, or maybe even do so on this forum, using search phrases such as "numbers", "removal", "number removal", etc.
It might also be advisable to contact the manufacturer and ask them before trying to go any further.
While you're in the process of changing numbers, you might want to think about a trick I use -- on all of my scratch-built rolling stock I put different numbers and road names on the two sides, so as the train goes around the track it gives the impression of being a different train, depending on the direction of travel.
I bought two PRR LGB box cars. The car number had a 3, in gold paint. Using a fine tipped brush, I closed up the 3 on one of the cars which turned it into an 8. The gold matched well and LGB doesn't put end numbers on their cars so no additional work was needed on the ends.
I have seen actual railroad cars where the number had been changed without repainting the car; the old number had been painted over, and the new number painted onto the contrasting off-color rectangle. Your railroad buy any cars from another railroad recently?
Art
thanks for the reply. have tried the manufacturer 3 times - no reply. will give the forums a go and see what happens.
gabbyhayes
Cacole
have tried the manufacturer 3 times - no reply. will give the forums a go and see what happens. Definately don'want to ruin the car by putting something on that isn't compatable.
If all else fails may do what you suggest and go over the whole number.
Cacole if you get an email from me ignore it. i pressed the wrong button. still getting used to the new format
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