Yet Another Paint Compatibility Question (Tamiya)

[Capitol Ltd]

My basic question is can I use Tamiya sprays over top of factory paint on Athearn and Roundhouse models from the 1980's?

I have a number of Athearn and Roundhouse boxcar kits from the 1980's -- many of these are of the per diem cars with really colorful paint schemes (one of my favorite modeling subjects).  In this time period, Athearn and Roundhouse generally painted the roof the same color as the car sides.  Most of the prototypes, however, had a galvanized metal roof and were often not painted (although it was common to see overspray from the sides).  So, I plan to take these factory painted cars and spray only the roof with a light- to medium-gray.  Tamiya has a really nice selection of gray sprays which they refer to as a "synthetic lacquer".  Can I safely apply these over the factory paint?

Thanks. --MARK

[xdford]

Hi Mark,

I have painted the roofs of such cars with a Tamiya galvanised colour by hand directly over the factory paint and it has lasted quite well. Any reason why you could not hand paint them? To me it would be nearly as quick to mask off the sides and give it a brush with the acrylic as the Tamiya stuff does flow on really well!

My thoughts anyway,

Cheers from Australia

Trevor

Assoc Editor Rail Modeller Australia

[Capitol Ltd]

xdford

Any reason why you could not hand paint them?

Trevor, thanks for the info!  There's really no reason I can't hand paint these, but I was wanting to try a technique I saw in MR a while back that simulates the overspray of the side color.  The sides of the car are masked conventionally with tape.  But on the top edge, you put a round "rod" made of modeling clay.  Then you spray the metal color from above.  If all works like it should, some paint will spread around the "rod" and should fade to the original car color.  Wish me luck.

--MARK

[xdford]

Hi Mark,

My hand painting was not the best true to .010" in any case so it looks a bit like overspray at normal viewing distance.  I like your idea for getting the overspray effect but unless you are standing on a low bridge, a second floor balcony or an ice depot walkway to refill refrigerator cars, would you see it on the prototype? Sometimes I think we try to overdo ourselves in the hobby but good luck with it

Cheers from Australia

Trevor

Assoc Editor Rail Modeller Australia  

[SeeYou190]

Capitol Ltd

Can I use Tamiya sprays over top of factory paint on Athearn and Roundhouse models from the 1980's?

I have never had any problem with Tamiya spray paints.

Try on your least favorite car first. I would be surprised if it is not compatible.

-Kevin