I have some BB loco shells that I want to strip so I can repaint them. How do I do that?
Soak them in 91% isopropanol for about a half hour (if I remember correctly), then use a toothbrush to scrub off the remain paint. Repeat as needed.
I haven’t replaced one recently but they used to be so cheap it was easier just to get an undecorated one and start from scratch.
Stripping a BB shell can take a bit longer if soaking in the 91% alchohol. I soaked an Milwaukee Road FP45 for 5 hours before I took out the toothbrush. If got off most of the orange paint, but of course there were still spots in the nook and crannies and some small spots on the body that were stubborn.
The key is for the body to be a smooth as possible once paint stripping is complete. Any paint flakes left with hard edges will show up in the new job.
I normally proceed and apply primer and seal the entire body. I wet sand any rough spots with #600 3M Wet/Dry paper.
Yes, it’s great if you can get an “Undec” shell…that is if you can find them.
Along with the above, I have had great luck with Polly Scale ELO (Easy Lift Off). It works fast and gets about everything off. Polly Scale states that it is good for most paints and finishes.
| I use Westley’s Bleech White to strip my loco shells.Works great. |
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I have stripped hundreds of Athearn BB shells (both locos and cars) with brake fluid and PolyScale’s ELO. They both work pretty fast. Just soak for 5-10 minutes and scrub, repeat as needed. Water neutralizes both, soak in water for the same amount of time as you did in the stripper, then wash and let dry. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection when using any stripper fluids.
I think most are less than 10 bucks, so I would just get a new one myself.[2c]
I’ve tried getting undec shells before. Athearn had non in stock and the only places I found any were on Ebay. Is Athearn making them available again?
I like to use Castrol Super Clean to strip paint. Simply immerse the shell in it, and go do something else. Most of the paint should come right off. CSC can be reused many times before it loses its strength. I use a funnel to put it back into its container. Whatever you do, don’t get this stuff on your hands–use tongs or old pliers to remove parts.
I’ve used Pine Sol on a few loco’s, let them soak for a few hours and then get the toothbrush out. Repeat as necessary.
Anyody tried denatured alcohol that you can get at Lowes or Home depot? If 91% works denatured should work really well.
I must have been thinking of the Con-Cor reefers that the paint came off of almost immediately, it has been awhile.
Testor’s paint thinner also works well on older Athearn stuff, but it’s an expensive way to strip paint.
Denatured alcohol (ethanol) is a different chemical than isopropanol, so it will react differently than IPA will, which means it may react with some paint that IPA won’t and it may not react with some paint the IPA will. The same goes for the plastics the shells are made out of, although I doubt either will react with polystyrene, though I have not tried ethanol on it. Also, I have heard some people say that the denatured ethanol left a residue.
I am going to try an utrasonic cleaner with either IPA or purple stuff, you know it as the Castrol Product… Have a P2K Sw9 that I want to repaint to CNJ. Going to test it on some EBAY cars I got. Will post the results or disaster as it happens.
Guys, denatured alcohol (usually marketed as shallac thinner) is mostly methanol — wood alcohol, which is extremely toxic either inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Avoid it!!!
Are you sure? The purpose for denaturing alcohol is to make it unfit for human consumption. Methanol already fits that description. I do recall hearing about ethanol being denatured with methanol though, perhaps that is what you are thinking of.
Here is a link to a denatured alcohol (82% ethanol, 4% methanol) MSDS.
Don’t try it at home!!! Not a good idea!! This is not my best idea!!
Old AHM Stock car is Molten flimsey plastic blob!!
I also use the Polly Scale Easy Lift Off paint remover. I put it on thick with an old 1/2" paint brush and let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then scrub it off with a toothbrush under running warm water. It takes the paint of Athearn BB shells with no problems. If you have a lot of louvers or closely spaced rivets you might need a second application in those areas.