I finally returned to my NS C40 project today, and I thought I might finally finish decaling the thing and getting it off the workbench. Then I remembered why I stopped. I originally got the Microscale decal set for NS locos (#1225) and put most of the decals on, but not the numbers on the end of the long hood because they weren’t included in the set. I remember thinking the stripes across the nose seemed a little short, but was totally focused on the lack of numbers for the rear end. On my next trip to the LHS, I got Microscale set #945, which is for NS C40 units. The cab nose stripes are much longer on the ones in this set, and now I am facing a problem. I originally put the decals on using some MicroSet to get them in position, then after they dried I applied MicroSol 3 times, letting everything dry in between coats. The decals really set well, and now that’s my problem. I tried to remove the nose stripes using the MicroSet like it says to do; keep the area wet and let it soak, then try to lift it off, but this decal never budged, even after an hour of soaking. I then tried putting the new, longer decal on top of the old one, but they weren’t close enough and it looked even worse than before, so it came off before it dried. So, short of stripping the loco and repainting it, how can I get this decal off so I can make it right? It’s starting to make me crazier, and I want to get this project done finally.
Your decription indicates you didn’t overcoat the decals with a clear flat coating. You’re in luck. It should be a do-able project.
Micro Set is too weak for this kind of job. Try soaking it with Micro Sol and using a Q-tip to gently scrub off the old decal. You won’t be able to get it off in one piece, but you should be able to get it off. If the Micro Set is too weak, try Walthers Solvaset, or Champ Decal Set.
Good Luck.
I would go with applying Microsol, leave for a couple of minutes and then rub with an old toothbrush - may need 2 or 3 attempts but it will come off.
Jon
If nothing else works, try acetone-free nail polish remover.
If Micro-Sol doesn’t work, try Walthers’ Solv-a-set.
I’d try the Tim Allen approach and use a sandblaster. Passche makes a very nice one (the “air eraser” which is priced at less than a new diesel locomotive, and is sized for small jobs. I’ve removed decals from finished models where the decal has been clear-coated and then weathered over, so your situation ought to be a snap. I’ve found that you need only 3 lbs of air pressure or so, and use baking soda as the abrasive. Plan to spend at least 10 mins or longer removing the decal–you want to work slowly so as to not disturb the underlying paint. One nice thing is that once you have a sandblaster, you’ll find all kind of jobs for it, such as removing numbers from pre-painted equipment in order to renumber them.
Mr. B&O