General Discussion (Model Railroader)

Hey guys -

I've got a collection of Athearn blue blox locos from the 80's that I just can't bring myself to part with.  I've seen some guys do some amazing things with these kits, but the first issue is the factory paint job.  Is there a way to strip off the old paint from the factory and get the kit down to the original plastic?  Thanks in advance.

 Soak it in 91% rubbing alcohol. It'll take some time so put the alcohol in a container that can be sealed with the shell inside. An old toothbrush will be required.

 Completely submerge it in a pool of power steering fluid. Takes about 30 minutes. Use a toothbrush to remove paint from stubborn areas. Don't leave it in there too long or the plastic will become soft.

I wouldn't use alcohol like the "spray can rembrandt" above. It takes too long IMHO.

Hardware store alcohol and a stiff brush like a tooth brush.  Get a shallow pan (aluminum foil bread pan) and pour an inch or so of alcohol over the model, let it soak a little and then start scrubbing.  Might want to wear rubber gloves.

While 91% isopropyl can work as "The Spray Can Rembrandt" suggests, it can take days or soaking to get the bits of paint out of the crevices and details so I would steer clear of that method unless you want to wait a while.  The other downside to 91% isopropyl is that it immediately begins to absorb moisture from the air and dilutes the concentration making less and less effective as the model sits in it.

I recommend either Easy-off oven cleaner or a citris based cleaner like from Zep.  Get it in the gallon jug and after you done stripping it can be filtered and stored for future use.  It has no negative effect on any of the plastics I used it on.  It hasn't softened or made them brittle

I use ScaleCoat II  Wash Away -- this stuff is amazing!  I pour it into a two liter bottle cut lengthwise and then submerge the car body in it so the entire car is soaking.  I let it sit for about 20 minutes or so.  The paint will literally come off in sheets.  Use a toothbrush to scrub detail areas like ladders etc. and the paint comes off.  If any paint is being stubborn, resoak for a few minutes and it will come clean.  Wash the plastic in warm soapy water to get rid of any residue, and viola!  Ready for priming.  Here is the best part.  Pour the Scale Coat II back into the original bottle and re-use it!  I strain out any paint bits, but the rest is good to reuse.  I have had a bottle for over two or three years now and have stripped quite a few models with it.  Another great use -- let's say you want to just remove some lettering.  No problem.  Use a brush to "paint" a little scale coat II onto the lettering, and then gently wipe off with a wet cloth.  The lettering will come off easily, leaving the paint intact.  You have to experiment with how long to let it set before wiping.  Be careful!  it doesn't take long! 

Chuck

Thanks for all of the ideas, everyone!  I actually had heard of the rubbing alcohol, but you've given me a few things to try.  Thanks again!

I've used DOT Brake Fluid with great results