Removing Locomotive Lettering

[Anonymous]

Erik Bergstrom's article in the July Model Railroader is very interesting. I wonder if it would help me with a similar problem.

I have an Atlas GP-40 in HO -- FEC #405. I want to remove the "FEC" and icon on the side of the locomotive. Erik's article describes the use of Pine Sol with cotton swabs to remove lettering which is painted.

I welcome advice on the feasibility of using Erik's technique on my GP-40. The link below provides a picture of my model.

http://www.atlasrr.com/Images/HOLocomotives/hogp3840/9193.jpg

Thanks,
Roger

[cmarchan]

I have recently removed lettering from an Atlas SDP-35 locomotive (Seaboard Air Line RR). I used Walthers Solvaset. Just soak the letters for 5-8 minutes, and pick the lettering away using a toothpick or my favorite, bamboo skewers (available from your friendly grocer). Works great! Also works on the number boards. This method will not harm the paint.

A truly wise man once said, "Never play leapfrog with a unicorn.

[Anonymous]

Good question, great answer.

[Anonymous]

On Bachmann locomotives I use a couple of drops of "Goof Off" on a tissue and lightly rub the lettering. The lettering will come right off without bothering the paint underneath.

[AntonioFP45]

Will definetly try the "Solvaset" method!

Thanks!

[mikebonellisr]

Along the same lines...What should I use to soften/remove dry POLLY SCALE ,acrylic paint from a airbrush?

[AntonioFP45]

I think I answered this on another post.

For the plastic sections use a terry-cloth towel soaked in denatured alcohol or 91% alcohol.

For metal parts, soak them in a cup or small pan with the same. Wipe off paint with a clean cloth!

Cheers!

[Anonymous]

I had to use a "Fiberglass Pencil" to get lettering off of a Broadway Ltd. Imports On-30, C-16, 2-8-0. I went slowly and off came the D&RGW lettering and to make it even better it left a dull sheen where it had been so it matched the paint job.
Dave Powell Iowa USA

[Anonymous]

Dave:

What is a "fiberglass pencil"? Where can they be purchased?

thanks,
Roger

[Anonymous]

one thing i like to use to remove stubborn factory lettering is one a few things. 1200 grit finishing sandpaper. gently rub on the lettering, and depending on manufacturer, it should come off without harming the paint underneath. or, use chameleon paint stripper on a q-tip, but do not soak the q-tip with this stuff, too much will strip the paint underneath, just lightly dampen the q-tip with chameleon, and lightly rub the lettering unitl it is gone!! with the sandpaper, use small pieces for each letter, as the paint will wear away the fine grit on the paper, it takes time, but i have been successful with this method, it works real well on kato units. 91% rubbing alcohol with a q-tip is a good one too! i do custom painting, so i try everything. check out my site at www.northeastrailworks.com. good luck to all!

matt

[fredj11]

This tip from Garden Railways magazine: Permatex Fast Orange liquid hand cleaner.
I've used it on LS Bachmann stuff with great success. Apply, let stand, wash/wipe lettering off.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mikebonellisr

Along the same lines...What should I use to soften/remove dry POLLY SCALE ,acrylic paint from a airbrush?

I keep a bottle of Testor's liquid plastic cement to disolve dried paint off airbrush parts. For water soluable paints, like polly scale, I spray water to clean out as much paint as possible, but there is always some that has dried on. I dip the tip of the airbrush into the liquid cement and then wipe it off with paper towel and spray more water through the brush. Do not spray the plastic cement.

By the way, Paasche and some other airbrushes have an o-ring inside the cone of the nozzle that must be replaced if paint dries in the nozzle.

The liquid plastic cement also works well for cleaning paint out of regular brushes, but it does tend to dry out the bristles.

JMO