Boxcar Rennovation

[leighant]

I have been using brake fluid. (Also have used Scalecoat rinse-away but had better luck with the brake fluid...)(May just be me or may be the particular brands of cars I am stripping.) I have a table outside where I soak cars, I am in N scale so the TOP to a plastic butter dish is about the right size and shape. "Results may vary for other scales." I place a plastic dishwashing tub upside down over the soaking stuff so wandering cats won't be able to drink it. I use a tong (the kind you use for eggs in boiling water) to pick up cars out of the drink, take to outside sink to hold under running water and scrub with old toothbrush. I do not come into contact with the cars I am scrubbing until I have thoroughly rinsed off the brake fluid.

Some of my N scale repaints:
http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/adn.jpg
http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/adq.jpg
http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/aax.jpg
http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/aay.jpg
http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/aba.jpg
http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/abb.jpg

[HAZMAT9]

As a real "Hazmatier" I know of the effects of too many chemicals out there, but it sounds like I may go with the TSP on the first try and resort to "nastier" stuff if it doesn't work. Many Thanks, Steve

[GMTRacing]

Steve,
Just remember brake fluid is ethylene glycol based same as antifreeze. Do not get it on bare skin and keep any critters away from it. It will soak through your exposed skin and it is toxic. J.R.

[HAZMAT9]

I've got both on hand, will give it a try. Thanks, Steve

[Anonymous]

Brake fluid has been suggested many times, although I haven't tried it yet. I do know it will damage paint and it's safe for plastic. Use DOT 3 fluid, not the silicone DOT 5.
A long soak in a strong solution of Tri-sodium-phosphate might remove paint. It works cleaning the dried paint from bottles.

[HAZMAT9]

Just wondering if anyone has any tips on re-painting boxcars. I have a few rather cheap boxcars that I purchased many years ago with many different road names I would like to paint using SP's Overnight silvers and black. I'm afraid to sand the car down since the plastic rivets and such will come off. I guess my point is how can I get the primer to stick? Any solvents, tips, or a few wiser words would be appreciated. BTW, my Granite Gorge and Northern benchwork is completed and the cookie cuttering looks darn good...will post pics soon. Steve