Painting a loco

[Anonymous]

I was given some old tracks and train stuff from someone's old layout (not all kids with trains still like trains when they grow up). I don't want to use the brass rails on my future layout, but they could be well suitable for a christmas train that my mother would like to have.

Anyway, I've tested the stuff and found that I have a working loco that only needs some repairs. The thing is, since it has been used by a kid back then, there are some paint that has been dropped on it and whatnot, and my mother doesn't want to see a red and black CN train as a christmas train, so I thought I might as well repaint it.

My question is: do I need to remove the paint before repainting? If so, how should I do it?

[AntonioFP45]

Hello Neerie, [:)]

For painting: Will you be using an Airbrush, Spray Can, Spray Bottle, or paint brush?

Yes to paint stripping! Fairly easy. Try the alcohol method.

Get a small, narrow container or pan. Go to your drugstore and purchase two bottles of 91% Isopropyl alcohol (Don't get 50% or 75% as they're not strong enough). Make sure that it will be enough to submerge your model. [;)]

After pouring it in the pan, submerge your model in it for about 1 hour. Afterwards, using a toothbrush, scrub the entire surface with it still in the alcohol. Slowly, continue to scrub and turn the model over. The paint should come right off with little effort. [C):-)][tup]

Afterwards examine the shell. If there are tiny bits of color left in nooks and crannies, don't worry about it. Spray primer onto the shell and proceed with your paint job. If the primer comes out a little rough, you can wet-sand it with 600 grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. You can obtain 3M Wet /Dry paper at most hardware stores. Make sure it's the black sandpaper as this is designed to be used with water.

*Tip: [;)] If painting mulitple colors, don't use the "cheap" masking tape from the Dollar Store. Spend just a "tad" more and get 3M tape, preferebly the blue or green fine line tape.

Hope this helps! [:)][;)][8)][:I][^][:X][8)][C=:-)][C):-)][4:-)][tup][swg][tup]

[AntonioFP45]

Neerie,

One more tip. Go to the General Discussion page. Look at the Great Results in Model Paint Stripping thread. Should be helpful as there are a lot of good responses featuring results and even different methods!

Peace and God Bless!

[ndbprr]

Back the paint bus up just a minute!!!!!! You may be able to just go to a hobby shop and buy a new shell for your engine. If it is an Athearn you can definitely do that and save yourself a bunch of time for much the same cost as painting. You could also check E Bay as shells are offered there as well as full engines at very good prices. Either of these ideas may be easier than repainting an engine.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Antonio, and I will be using airbrush, we're already well equipped as I'm not the only modeler (just the only one into trains) in the house.

And as for buying a new shell.. nahhhh painting it will be more fun! And beside, it's just for a cheap christmas layout and I want to really do a custom job.

Thanks for the tips!!

[AntonioFP45]

Neerie,

Very glad to be helpful. Keep us posted with your progress.

BTW: What paint scheme are you going to apply on your locomotive?