I have an Athearn blue box locomotive that I'd like to patch for my freelanced railroad. It's painted in BN livery right now. I'd like to leave the paint as is, but patch the long hood and the cab. I plan to use a spray can to do so. Color choice hasn't been decided, most likely a dark blue or white. What is the best approach to patching? Taping it off and spraying? Tape it and hand paint?
I have a set dry transfer decals to put on for markings. What else is needed to apply the decals? I've seen different adhesives being used in videos, but want to get the right stuff.
To tune up an old Athearn blue box, what will I need to do this? In terms of lubricant or oils?
Any other tips for either patching, decalling, or tuning an older locomotive? This will be my first attempt at such a project. Thank you in advance.
Here is a great article on tuning up an Athearn Blue Box loco:
http://www.mcor-nmra.org/Publications/Articles/Athearn_TuneUp.php
I've never worked with dry transfer decals, as I patch mine with regular decals. You can mask and hand paint the patch back round or spray it, whatever you choice is. I usually hand paint.
Mike.
My You Tube
If you're familiar with decaling, I highly recommend Microscale trim film. I use this for all my patched freight cars and it saves a lot of effort for masking.
http://www.microscale.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MD&Category_Code=TF&Product_Code=&Search=&Sort_By=newest&Per_Page=-1
The trim film is just decal film in different colors, which you apply as a regular decal. When that sets, use your regular numbers/letters over that, then just seal with dullcote.
For regular water-slide decals, I recommend Microscale Microset and Micro Sol. Apply micro set to the shell where you want the decal, then place the decal. Let it dry completely. The Microsol will help the decal fit any details. Once fully dry, use the Micro Sol to further set the decal. It will help further fit the decals around fine details.
Modeling whatever I can make out of that stash of kits that takes up half my apartment's spare bedroom.
Good point on the trim film. I forgot all about it. I have used this on a fleet of hoppers.
I have always hand painted patches. I also use decals, have never tried dry transfers.
Thank you all for the links no tips. I've been doing a lot of research today to Try and learn just how to do everything. I've filled a few online carts wi items to buy at I didn't have. Looking forward to beginning the Erris & Spears Railroad empire soon.