ok. I have my ATSFBNUPCHESSIESPEL loco, and i wanna change the decals on it... its a steam loco, so color will be the same.. How do you remove the stickers on the tender etc without destroying the paint? who makes the best replacement decals? Im modeling SP. thanks [This message has been edited by virtual-bird (edited 27 May 2000).]
Do you mean decals? I've heard of two methods that seem to get good results. 1) Get a fine (narrow) tip eraser and lightly rub the lettering until it is removed. This will take a little while, but it will leave the paint underneath intact. or 2) Get a Q-Tip and dip it in a little ELO (Easy Lift-Off) or your favorite model paint stripper. Rub it lightly over the lettering until it is removed. Then wash the area with water to remove any excess ELO. I haven't used either method yet. I usually completely strip a model, repaint, and decal. I've talked to a couple of great modelers that have used one or both of the above methods with good results. Both methods are also handy if you just want to change one number in a series on freight cars. That'll give you a unique number for each car. As for the which replacement decals to use, it depends on the prototype you're modeling. If you're free lancing or don't want to bother getting a prototype match, try getting a Railroad Roman decal sheet from MicroScale. MicroScale has letter/number sheets in different colors. White or gold should look good on a steamer. Good luck ! Look Ahead, Look South
or 3) Depending on the process used for applying the lettering, you might be able to 'scratch' it off with the tip of a fine blade. I did this with an Soo Atlas SD60M and it came off easily on this particular loco. Work slow, steady, and gently with this method. If it has been painted and decalled, then it could be a little more tricky if it had been done correctly. When using 2) above, use caution. Some paints are more susceptable to coming off than others. Being black, it could lift before the markings. Try it on an inconspicuous spot first to gauge the affects. Oh, for us, a Q-Tip is a cotton bud Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page N to the Nth degree! [This message has been edited by Gats (edited 27 May 2000).]
If the stickers are decals or painted the earlier post of using an eraser works just fine. I've done 2 doodlebugs and changed them to my own road. You never knew they were B&M or PENSY before. ------------------ When in doubt, empty your magazine.
