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removing lettering

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 93 posts
removing lettering
Posted by fisker4jc on Friday, March 15, 2024 8:07 PM

I'm trying to remove the lettering from a N gauge Bowser coverd hopper without taking off the paint.  I tried the mircrosol and magic tape approach, the pine sol on a Qtip approach, and the microsol / solvaset with a pink eraser approach.  None of them worked.  Any ideas? I was hoping to not have to strip all the paint

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 2,360 posts
Posted by kasskaboose on Friday, March 15, 2024 9:45 PM

I've removed numbering from cars using a very small amount of rubbing alcohol, or the back of a hobby knife and gently scrape off the lettering.  I've even heard of some using pencil erasers.  Whatever approach(s) used, just go slow.

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Miles City, Montana
  • 2,289 posts
Posted by FRRYKid on Saturday, March 16, 2024 2:53 AM

Another trick to try uses tp, Microsol and Q-tips. Place the tp on the model. Using the Q-tip wet the tp and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then gently use the Q-tip to scrub at the lettering. Repeat as needed. This is another one that takes paitience but it does work. (I believe this came from Athearn company via FB.)

"The only stupid question is the unasked question."
Brain waves can power an electric train. RealFact #832 from Snapple.
  • Member since
    August 2020
  • 581 posts
Posted by Southgate 2 on Saturday, March 16, 2024 4:18 AM

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/297293.aspx

In the cited thread, 2nd reply, see what Dave Nelson discusses about using  tortillions. 

I tried it, and posted the final comment in that thread. Works great! check it out. Dan

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 119 posts
Posted by JDVass on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:24 PM

I tried it all. Microsol, rubbing alcohol etc. I don't know why but I could not get them to work.

The only thing that I found that works is Testors ELO. It woeks great and it doesn't damage the plastic at all.

Life is too short not to play with trains, so grow old not up my friends.
  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: Calgary
  • 2,047 posts
Posted by cx500 on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 4:46 PM

The 70% rubbing alcohol is not very effective, but I found the 99% available here is Canada works quite well.  I understand in the US the available stronger formulation may be only 90%.

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