Hello. This is my first post soo… anyhow, Have acquired a couople brass locomotives and looking to get them painted. I’ve stripped and painted a couple of OLD Varney metal loco’s…didn’t do bad. But my Brass loco’s…they’re really cool and I don’t trust my skills. Any advice here? Anyone “paint for hire?”
[#welcome]
I have painted several brass freight cars and a few locomotives. It is not difficult, and no where as complicated as many might lead you to believe.
-Kevin
Thank you!
You’ve not indicated whether the locomotives are steam or diesel, but I’d guess that your remark about Varney metal locos to suggest that you’re speaking of steam locomotives.
Painting brass steam is not really any different than painting cast metal ones, and over many years, I have painted dozens of them, both commercially and for friends.
The first thing to do is make sure that they run properly…that might include adding extra pick-up wipers, tweaking the motor (new magnets in open frame motors can make a huge difference), or adjusting drawbar length or height, and where possible,adding more weight.
Once it’s running smoothly and reliably, disassemble it, remove the motor and gearbox, and put all of the other parts (make sketches of stuff to show how to properly re-assemble it later) in a sink full of hot water and dish detergent. If the cab is removeable, it will be easier to paint the interior, but I’ve seen only a couple so-constructed.
As you remove the parts from the soapy water, rinse them thoroughly with running water and place them somewhere to air-dry.
From this point on, best to wear nitrile gloves for handling things.
I usually leave the loco’s chassis (frame with drivers still in place, along with the cylin