Paint Stripping Brass Engines

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I recently just got some brass engines (PRR K-4, PRR E-6, Berkshire and one other can’t remember) from my Grandfathers collection. Some of the paint jobs are just old looking i.e. over 25 years… heck they have not been run in 20 years… whoa… didn’t realize it was so long ago… I figure that I am going to have to rip them apart and recondition them, oil and lubricate etc… (If I am wrong please let me know)… So I figure now would be the time to paint strip and repaint them… how hard is it to strip them down to the brass and repaint?

Thanks

2

I just stripped an O scale Kemtron RS-3. I used an automotive product called “Aircraft Remover” that I bought at the local NAPA. Use gloves, and a LOT of ventilation when using any chemical, as if it can strip off paint, what will it do to the hands and lungs.

3

Zip-Strip is a very effective paint remover (I’ve only used the original formula on wood and steel). Has anyone used Zip-Strip on brass models? If so, how did it perform?

4

In some cases if the paint is in great conditon and has been clearcoated then just paint over it with a thin coating of primer first. It may not be the road you want but it might be easier to just leave it be and add a new coat.

5

tsgtbob, or any body that has paint stripped an engine.

Did you find that you had to use a brush to get in to all of the cracks, nooks, details etc… or does the paint just fall and you have a shiny brass engine…

Thanks

6

MEK (Methyl ethyl ketone) will cut just about any paint and/or clear coat. But the stuff is dynamite—you really should use it outdoors, or at least with a good paint booth. Fumes and flammability are both dangers, but the stuff really works. Just don’t use it on any plastic parts, assemblies that are glued, or components that contain plastic (Insulated drivers, etc.). “Copper Glo” cleanser makes an excellent cleaner for the bare brass, too.

Good luck with the restoration projects!

Mick Enright