Has anyone had trouble having paint sticking to PECO track? I having been using vallejo primer then vallejo paint for the ties and rails. Went to lay some ballast and all the paint started to come off. Need some suggestions.
I have to be careful with the Shinohara track I use. The paint is reasonably durable but will flick off if scraped or prodded.
Did you wash off the ties before laying the track? There is probably mold release agents (silicone) remaining on the plastic.
It may not be easy now that ballast is in place but for any future track laying I'd suggest a wash in either a detergent or strong alcohol prior to painting. Perhaps Windex, Simple Green or Fantastic (experiment) then blot off the excess and allow to dry.
The paint should adhere reasonably well but it won't be perfect. That's the same plastic used for truck sideframes and diesel handrails.
There are bonding-primers for improving adhesion to plastics (think car bumpers) but that may not be completely necessary.
Atlas, at least the stuff I have, seems to be molded with a different type plastic that accepts paint much better.
Good Luck, Ed
An Acquaintance of mine regularly builds new layouts and simply spray bombs the track... I have not know him to mention washing it down first but I have to agree with Ed as I think Peco have now got a slightly different plastic they are using seemingly holding its sheen longer than I remember it from many years ago!
Hope this helps
Cheers from Australia
Trevor
I've been painting my Peco N 55 with Camo Brown. It doesn't stick to the rail so well first coat but second coat comes up well. Haven't observed it actually coming off.
Bagal