Refinishing AF 356 loco

[Sturgeon-Phish]

I have recently aquired an American Flyer chrome finished 356, and the paint is in bad shape, and I'm thinking refinishing. The tender is metal and I have access to a bead blaster to strip the tender but the loco is plastic. Question #1, how would be a good way to remove the flaking paint from the loco, #2 what would be a good paint to as close as possible reproduce the "Chrome" finish? #3 should the loco/tender be primed prior to painting? I'm building this up to pull my aluminum 660 662 & 663 passenger cars.
Thanks
Jim

[hugoroundhouse]

Hi Jim-

Another Jim here. I read your question with interest because I have the same type of question. I have a set of plastic 660, 661, 662 that run well but the "chroming" is in terrible shape on two of the cars. I have purchased two different brands of spray paint that are supposed to be "chrome" and tested them, but I wouldn't put either of them on my cars, let alone advise you putting it on your loco.

I have never read how Gilbert plated these. I would doubt that it was a paint process, would you agree? Are you aware of a way of plating plastic? Usually a plating process involves running current through the item being plated. i don't see thow you would do that with plastic.

If you find a source for a paint that gives quality results or find a source for inexpensive plating of plastic, please post it, because I would bet there are plenty of other Flyer fans that are on the same quest. I'll do the same.

Jim

[Jumijo]

Yet another Jim here.

To strip the paint off the plastic, soak it in Castrol Super Clean. It will remove the paint without harming the plastic.

For the absolute look of chrome, plate the plastic. Chrometech USA and other such "hobby" platers offer this service to model car builders with plastic bumpers and the like. I know for a fact that they will chrome just about anything you send them. A plastic train shell would easily be accepted, but make sure and contact them first. Also, make sure that the part is absolutely clean. Every imperfection is maginfied ten-fold when it's chromed!

You could also paint the part with ALCAD II chrome paint, but the finish might be too fragile to handle on a regular basis. ALCAD, when applied correctly is very, very convincing as a chrome finish. A gloss black undercoat is required.

Finally, chrome foils such as Bare Metal Foil could be applied, and if the need ever erose, you could easily remove it by peeeling it off.

Jim

[Sturgeon-Phish]

I've never heard of Castrol Super Clean, where would I find it?
Jim

[hugoroundhouse]

Jim3-

Thanks for all the info. The plating sounds like it would look closest to the original finish. I, too, have not heard of any of the product brand names you mentioned, but will look for them here in the Denver/Boulder area.

Jim2

[Jumijo]

hugoroundhouse,

Since you appreciated the info enough to say thank you, Castrol Super Clean can be found at WalMart, auto stores, etc. It's a strong degreaser. Model car builders discovered that it also strips off paint without damaging the plastic parts underneath.

ALCAD II and BMF can be found at hobby shops.

Jim

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Well, I have the tender stripped and I've got a gallon of Castrol Super Clean from walmart and will start stripping the loco shell tomorow. A friend suggested that when the striping is done to neutralize the castrol with a vinagar wa***hen water before painting and that made sense. My question now is, I saw Rustolum (sp?) had a shiney chrome spray paint and I figure it will be fine for the tender which is metal, but will it work on the plastic loco shell? I'm not looking for a 100% original finish, so the replating mentioned earlier would be more than what I'm looking for and thus a "close match" is good enough for what I want to do.
Thanks
Jim

[Sturgeon-Phish]

I used the Castrol Super Clean and I was amazed at how easily and how well it removed the chrome finish. All the finish is off and I'm repairing the screw holes with some JB weld. Thanks for the tip on the super clean. Going to try the rustolum chrome paint. I'll keep you posted on progress.
Jim

[Jumijo]

Prime the part before painting, especially if it's plastic. Many paints will destroy plastic if a primer coat isn't applied first.

Jim

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Good idea,
Thanks
Jim

[daan]

Sorry, I just wanted another name under all those Jimmies..

Daan.