Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Locomotive Renumbering

3072 views
6 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 8, 2005 3:27 PM
After reading all the messages, and doing some careful thinking, I have come up with success!!!!

Thank you all.

What I chose to use was Microsol and the q-tip method. Using a q-tip dipped in Microsol, and a 10x magnifying glass I was able to remove most of the old numbers. The remainder I used a small piece of strip wood sharpened like a chisel and scraped away what was left.

There is a little color difference, but that can be covered up when I weather her.

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: Saginaw River
  • 948 posts
Posted by jsoderq on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 8:26 AM
Lettering on modern models is not silk-screened, but pad printed. The ink (which is really a type of paint) is transferred from an engraved plate to the model by a silicone rubber pad of the appropriate size and shape.
  • Member since
    June 2005
  • From: Phoenixville, PA
  • 3,495 posts
Posted by nbrodar on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 11:04 PM
Solvaset and gentle rubbing is usually the best, but always check first. You can also try Pinesol, which works well on Kato models. Be careful with rubbing alcohol, it can strip the paint off P2K models.

But no matter how careful you are, odds are the paint will need touched up slightly. As Threadslayer said, some weathering and Dullcoat will blend everything together.

Nick Brodar

Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 9:35 PM
If the number is a light color (as in the sample shown), I'll just paint over the number with a close match to the dark color. I then use decals for the new numbers, put a couple of coats of Dullcoat on for sealing, and use weathering to take care of any paint mismatches.
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: sherman,tx
  • 492 posts
Posted by tjsmrinfo on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 2:34 PM
deharmon
ive used 91% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) full strength with a q tip. also check the microscal website as they make decals for every known railroad, i also believe that they have Lehigh Valley decals as well, heres the web site www.microscale.com

hope this helps
  • Member since
    September 2002
  • 7,486 posts
Posted by ndbprr on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 8:23 AM
You will prbably have to experiment to find which solvent removes the numbers without the body paint. Usually manufacturers silk screen the lettering and numbers and they can be a pain to get off. Every time I have stripped a RIvarossi car the last to go was the lettering so you have to be prepared that you might have to repaint the area around the numbers. I have somewhat successfully removed lettering with Solvaset, Microscale decal setting solution and softscrub with a soft brush. Others have tried other materials. as to color match unless somebody knows check the model against the color samples at a hobby shop. Don't use the bottles as color dries differently. Use the little sample.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Locomotive Renumbering
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 5:15 AM
I have a few Proto 2000 Lehigh Valley GP38-2's that I would like to renumber.

What would be the best choice for decals that would would match the current numbers on the side of the cab?

I will be doing renumbering on eight locomotives, but before I start, I have a couple other questions:

1. How to get the painted on numbers off.
2. What is the color of the Yellow ( see picture )


The Picture:

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!