mrbarlow
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Posts: 95
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Post by mrbarlow on Nov 16, 2023 17:57:58 GMT -5
All,
I plan on being busy over the holidays doing Airbrushing and decaling.
What the best method for stripping paint off AZL and MTL loco shells?
Isopropyl Alcohol?
Scale Coat stripper?
Mini grit - sand blaster?
Thanks,
Mr. B
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Post by zscalehobo on Nov 16, 2023 18:10:43 GMT -5
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Post by dazed on Nov 16, 2023 18:13:23 GMT -5
In my experience...
-91% IPA works well for most
-Some CN SD70's I stripped need a bit more ooomph, so I used "Purple Power" degreaser
YMMV. I'm advising caution and testing before going whole hog. Don't leave them soaking for extended periods (ie not overnight, etc) Obviously remove any window glass, which gets tricky sometimes.
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Post by dazed on Nov 16, 2023 18:16:40 GMT -5
To clarify, slightly differnet processes for removing lettering vs removing paint. You don't want to try removing lettering with the paint removal chemicals, as it will end badly. |
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Post by cjhayes2424 on Nov 17, 2023 10:05:49 GMT -5
I've stripped roughly 15 GP-7's, the only thing I use is 91% alcohol in a bath, soft toothbrush, wooden fine point toothpicks. Everything is light to the touch, repeat bath, very light with the toothbrush. Use toothpicks(soak the alcohol) for stubborn areas - again soft on the touch. If you want to remove handrails, skirts.... leave in alcohol bath even longer - glue will start to give way - I use #11 blades on the underside of the frame to lightly scribe the glue joints - again light to the touch. Keep working until they are free...
Cjhayes
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mrbarlow
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Post by mrbarlow on Nov 17, 2023 11:02:56 GMT -5
CJ, Thanks for the advice and guidance. Use 91% for both MTL and AZL shells? Are you in the USA? Where do you buy 91%? Walgreens? In the past I painted a ton of HO and N scale shells, always used "Wash Away" from Scale Coat (when it was affordable).  I wanted to check first as I didn't want to use anything too strong that would craze or melt the plastic. Thank You, |
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Post by husafreak on Nov 17, 2023 11:51:35 GMT -5
I think you have to ask the pharmacist for "the good stuff".
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Post by cjhayes2424 on Nov 17, 2023 12:56:20 GMT -5
CJ, Thanks for the advice and guidance. Use 91% for both MTL and AZL shells? Are you in the USA? Where do you buy 91%? Walgreens? In the past I painted a ton of HO and N scale shells, always used "Wash Away" from Scale Coat (when it was affordable). I wanted to check first as I didn't want to use anything too strong that would craze or melt the plastic. Thank You, Yes, I live in the US. You can find 91% at any pharmacy - Walgreens, CVS.... I have not used "Wash Away" but have used Scale Coat paints before with a couple geeps. I can't speak for MTL as I only buy their rolling stock - I'm sure someone will chime in on on them though. As for AZL, that's all I use. I also meant to mention, be careful to remove the cab windows as well they are tension fit (they will craze in the Alcohol). In addition, they can be fidgety and can be LAUNCHED if you know what I mean 😉. I also use a small tub of tap water to rinse the alcohol and flaking paint off after a light scrub - then back in the bath. You shouldn't encounter any problems melting/crazing the plastic - never been an issue for me. Be patient, it'll work. |
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