If I repaint rolling will I see the edges of the old markings? And if I decide to paint over previously marked cars is this something that is not uncommon in the “real world”?
Will I have problems with the original markings lifting due to the paint reacting with them or am I better off removing old markings first?
It’s not uncommon in the ‘real world’ to see box cars roll by with a lighter color block of paint covering the old marking and new markings painted over it. So it would be prototypical to do so.
However, if you’re going to repaint and re-badge the whole car, it would probably be better to remove all the old markings first.
It depends. If your railroad purchased its equipment from another railroad there are many pictures where if you get the lighting just right you can see the previous roads marking under the paint. Later on if they aren’t kept up you will even see the paint start to appear through the overcoat. Now if it is equipment you are purchasing new for your railroad then you need to do a little work to smooth the edges of the lettering. A little toothpaste or barkeepers friend will take the edges right down to where it doesn’t show at all. Another way is to use Solvaset on the lettering. It will often soften it to where it can be wiped off with a paper towell.