Just getting started on my GP39E conversion and stripped down a pair of Conrails. Since I've been doing metal miniatures for years, I am always on the look out for a good primers. So while I was looking at the etched metal rails I found myself wondering what MTL uses for a primer. If it isn't to much of a trade secret would you be able to share? Currently I use either Floquil spray primer or Tamiya Fine Surface Primer for my metal parts. However the primer used on the GP35s seems to have had a better bond than I typically achieve with these and is fine enough so that it doesn't obscure the details.
Paul, Not sure of the brand name but it's your basic metal etching primer. I think you can get it by the quart at any auto paint supply. Also, several years ago there was metal etching primer available to the hobbist for metal figures and for painting brass Railroad Products. I think Floquil might have something. Generally some of your auto primers you get at Walmart will do the trick as well. The key is to get something that says it's etches the metal and thus will bond better. Regular paints just sit on the surface and will fracture over time. Cheers Joe MTL
Not planning to strip and repaint anything but very good information about the difference in primers.
i don't know if this add anything to the conversation, but when i worked in a train store that specialized in brass, the people always bought SCALECOAT paints to paint them. maybe scalecoat primer is one of those etching primers. these guys wouldn't trust anything else, and they poured a LOT of dough into their collections. for what it's worth. dave f.
