I have a Bachmann Spectrum Decapod lettered as ACL #8003, but after researching this engine I found it would need quite a bit of surgery to match the photo. I then found another decapod which was a perfect match, but was #8000. How can I remove the 3 and replace it with a matching 0, without marring the paint?- and line it up correctly without any fancy or expensive tools?
Solvaset and a rubber eraser (like the end of a pencil) generally does a pretty good job of removing factory lettering. It might be difficult to find a decal that exactly matches the size and style of the model though. It might turn out better to remove all 4 numbers and replace them with decals for 8000.
Check the photo dates before attempting to alter your model. A.C.L. #8000 was built by Richmond in 1918 as construction #1061 while #8003 was also built by Richmond in 1918 as d/n #1064. It is highly unlikely that there would have been much difference between them “out of the chute”. Modifications were made to locomotives as the years went by; clearly a large producer like Bachmann makes one basic model based on one locomotive for which they have accurate dimensions. They may have different headlights or other minor parts available to alter the appearance some, but an exact match for a certain road number would also have to be specific to a certain time.
A note related to your other post: I do find that the last Russian Decapod left the A.C.L. roster on Jan. 31, 1952.
Bill