General Discussion (Model Railroader)

Okay, just a quick question: when removing paint using rubbing alcohol do you have to remove the windows on a locomotive. Basically, does rubbing alcohol fog or damage clear plastic? I have an Athearn SW7 that I want to remove the paint from, but the cab windows are being difficult and I was wondering if I could leave them in without damaging them when I submerse the shell in alcohol. Any answers would be useful, thanks.  

 You will want to get the window glazing out before repainting so you might as well bite the bullet now...

I would. I'm not sure if it fogs, I can't ell on mine if it's the alcohol or I scratched them when trying to tske the liquid mask up, but if nothing else, you can trap the paint on either side of the glass, and when the alcohol evaporates, the paint dries right where it is, on the window

It's always a good idea to remove the window glass first to avoid any uneccesary damage (scratches) or extra clean-up. However, generally the products used to strip paint safely off plastic bodies is safe for the window "glass" as well.

In most cases, the widow glass is not glued in and you just have to figure out how it was "snapped" in, they're kind of like chinese puzzle, ie: remove this piece before you can remove that piece. The use of toothpicks comes in handy to keep pieces in place until ready to be pulled out.

If I remember, the SW7 windows pop right out unless someone glued them in. I have cleaned paint off with alcohol and not had it damage the clear glazing. I generally do remove them though.

A trick the model car builders use to repair scratched windshields is to dip them into Future floor Finish. The clear coat will fill in any scratches and make them virtually invisible.

Dan