A couple days ago I started running my P2K SD60 around my track. When it got around to the other side of the oval, I noticed that the lettering was chipping off!![:0] I took a closer look, and found that the lettering isn’t paint, but decals![:0] So if you have a P2K diesel, then I suggest you don’t handle the lettered areas to much or the decals might chip off.
Are you sure? I have seen a lot of P2K diesel and I have never seen decals applied to any of them. In mass production decals are not used simply because decals are hand applied and it takes too long.
Where did you buy the loco? Are you sure it was brand new or might it have been custom painted (poor job if the decals are chipping off). I would contact the dealer immediately and take it back.
The lettering on models is generally not paint, but rather it is ink, similar to what is used in silk-screen printing. Most models are “pad-printed”.
The engine was brand new when I got it. The lettering may be some sort of ink like you said, but it’s so thick that it chips off if handled too much. I guess that’s why I thought it was decals. But it probably would have stuck better if it was paint, because I have a few engines over 30 years old with painted lettering, and it’s not coming off.
What you’re describing is very unusual, especially with a P2K. It’s sounds like you have a defective loco, at least in the decorative sense. And as far as I know the lettering has always been a printing process not paint.
I would really recommend you contact the dealer or Walthers (they bought P2K recently).
Hmm…natural weathering? [:D] Got a photo of it?
I’ve learned the hard way and damaged a few locomotives years past.
Rule of thumb for any plastic or brass HO diesels:
Four fingers underneath the fuel tank, the thumb on the center of the roof. Prevents potential boo-boos!
In fact, I just bought a P2K E8. After putting it together, I picked it up and found that I had not snapped the body in properly. Good thing I gripped it using the above method.
My 2 cents.
I always move my loco’s by grabbing under the fuel tank. It keeps finger prints etc off the body. Darth Santa Fe, what was the road name? I would be curious if other people have the same problem.
I had the same problem on my SP GP-9. The lettering on mine are deffinetly decals. So it’s a good idea to be careful. I recently replaced the one that come off with a Micro Scale decal and solvaset. Joey
In the pharmacy or drug store they have these cheap white cotton gloves. I never touch a locomotive or car without putting a glove on the grabbing hand and of course fingers on the bottom and top, never on the sides.
It’s EMD Demostrator 8302 in
dark red
light gray and
dark gray.
Better spray a little glosscoat, and weather it a little, Solvaset, is not a perminate coating, and the decal may join the birdgang.