I have attached 2 pics. The 1st being the use of my normal solution to take numbers off of a locomotive (Joe's Gel). The 2nd shot shows the other side with the use of the standby for taking numbers off (the eraser of a #2 pencil). They both are taking the underlying paint off of the loco. Seems like the KATO paint is much thinner than it used to be. I have successfully changed numbers on KATO AC4400's (both UP and BNSF) and some of the older locos. For some reason it looks like KATO has changed something. I have noticed over the past year or so you can strip a KATO with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol when it used to take days in Chameleon stripper. Anyways, before I ruin another one, anyone successfully use something different for this? Thanks. Jeff
dang. ive always just use alcohol with micro brushes. that way any wear i see is minimal and lots less paint touch up if the new numbers will hide it w/ weathering. what about something like naphtha? i use this to erase my left over decals on used decals sheets
You can use Windex on a swab to rub off the nmbers. I have a buddy who does that all the time. Personally, I haven't tried it. But I have seen what he has done, and it looks like it works pretty well.
I usually paint the numbers or letters with alcohol keeping it off the paint. After a minute or so I use an eraser to rub off the number/letter. I use a soft eraser pen, the type sold to use with lead fill pencils. It's a white/gray color not like the standard reddish #2 pencil eraser.
I have had fairly good results using a sharp pocket knife and gently scrapping the numbers off on both UP and BNSF units. Use a light touch as its fairly easy to scrape right through the number and into the paint. Rob
I use the stuff sold by Kato on their HO stuff - I haven't tried it on their N, but I don't see any reason it wouldn't work. It works like magic with no undercoat damage at all. 750100 Mr. Hobby - Mr. Color Thinner #50
