For my current progect, I am going to be relettering a bachmann slopeback tender for Great Northern. My question is, how would I go about removing the old lettering? I have used micro-sol in the past, but I fear that the lettering will be painted on rather than decals. I would rather not repaint the entire tender as the black paint is nicely applied. Also, should I use water slide or dry transfer decals on this model? Many thanks!
JJF
Prototypically modeling the Great Northern in Minnesota with just a hint of freelancing.
Yesterday is History.
Tomorrow is a Mystery.
But today is a Gift, that is why it is called the Present.
I recently removed lettering from an Athearn Genesis Tender....simply dropped it into a container of well-used methyl hydrate (probably several hundred cars stripped clean over the years), then an hour-or-so later, fished it out and rinsed it in warm water. I have another identical Genesis tender with large numerals on its sides, and will likely strip it too, so it will hopefully be more saleable.The body shells of the Genesis tenders (and locos), do not appear to be painted, other than for the lettering. I do, of course, paint both the locos and tenders, then add lettering where appropriate...usually decals, but sometimes dry transfers, too.
I'm currently working on two of them, one identical to the first four (as shown above), with the other somewhat more modified, and rather different in appearance.
Wayne
If micro-sol does not work, you will most likely take paint off in addition to the lettering. (At least every way I've tried.)
Is the tender shell even painted though? It may be cast in black styrene, depending on how old it is.
If it's new, it is painted, as is the lettering.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Just did exactly what you are planning on doing. I needed to remove Union Pacific lettering from my Bachman Mikado using 91% alcohol and q-tips. It removed the white paint and left a shiney surface to apply the decals. Finished it up with a shot of Dul-Cote.
Scott Sonntag
Solva-set and a rubber pencil eraser have worked for me. BTW it would be rare for a factory engine to use decals, they're usually pad-printed or something similar. Solvaset + Eraser work for that type of decoration. You can use that method for removing decals but it leaves the decal film, only removes the ink.