I have a Bachmann Spectrum GE Dash 8-40C or B (I can’t remember) that I bought about 10 years ago. It has only been ran twice and I tested it the other day on my friend’s layout and it works great. It is a Norfolk Southern and I am going to model a freelance shortline with some leased motive power. I want to paint it in a simple scheme like the NREX shown in the link below.
I am going to buy the supplies tomorrow. This will be my first attempt and might end up being a disaster. I do have a B.A. degree in fine arts, but I’m not very crafty. Do I need to buy an airbrush or can I save my money for now on my first attempt and paint it with a brush or spray can? I want to decal it. I am going to buy some decal paper to print my own leasing logo. I hope I can get some answers before long so I’ll have a better idea on what I need to do. The LHS owner is not into trains and can only tell me so much. Thanks, this forum has been a great help to me so far.
If you’re going something simple and not looking for an exact match in color, I’d go with a spray can of model paint (Testors, Pactra, Floquil, etc). Brushing would work, but it tends to be thick in some places and you can get brush marks depending on the type of paint and conditions.
The decal paper is another story. Not sure what kind of printer you’re using, but generally you have to seal the lettering on the decal paper with something like dull coat before cutting out, soaking, and applying. I know there are others who may have different experiences with making their own decals.
If that’s the general scheme you are after, a can of rustoleum will work… Take LongislandTom’s advice though and practice on something else first. As for decals, if you know of a great way to make them, share… Here’s something somebody pointed out a couple weeks ago on Dry Transfers…
Thanks guys. As for the decals, I was under the impression you could buy decal paper and it would be pretty easy to make simple decals. I saw this at Walthers.
I have to disagree with some of the above comments.
Please, DO NOT, be intimidated by the airbrush. I was a spray can model painter for years. You can achieve some beautiful jobs with rattle cans, however, you don’t have the wide flexibility that’s available with the airbrush. After my first job with an airbrush----I didn’t look back. I was amazed at how incredibly easy it was to use one. Paint thinning is “common sense” in reading directions. The spraying technique improves with practice (this is one reason why it’s handy to keep several cheap “junker” freight car or locomotive shells handy). If you can spray with a rattle can, you can spray with an airbrush. The paint scheme in the photo is a very simple one.
Paint. There are solvent based and acrylic based paints available. I used Floquil and Testors for years. Good products but the smell drew complaints from my family. Plus, flushing out required the use of lacquer thinner. I switched over to Polly Scale and Modelflex acrylics since they leave almost no smell. Easy to clean up with water or 70% alcohol.
Airbrush: I’ve been using a Paasche VL for about 20 years, however, I would recommend going with a Badger #200 airbrush. It’s single action and easy to use.
Air Compressor: Avoid those small, overpriced compressors (I have one!) The Husky series compressors found at Home Depot and Ebay are better in quality and durability.
A couple of points.
You will need to remove the old lettering and paint or the lettering will show through the new paint. search here for advice on paint removal, but a lot of people seem to prefer pine sol or brake fluid. Either way wear gloves and have a “stop bath” of plain water handy. Used brake fluid goes to your local recycling center when done.Make sure you wa***he shell in warm soapy water just before you paint
Spray paint for models is generally thnner and shows more detail than regular spray bomb paint. Before i got my airbrush I used a lot of Testors or Tamiya spray paints. The fumes are bad indoors, I tried to use the garage or outdoors as a spray booth.
For the simple lettering you need, try a sheet of lettraset dry transfer or the small vinyl lettering sheets available at most Staples/Office Max stores. You’ll get a lifetime supply with one sheet. I prefer the vinyl stick on letters even though they are too thick for scale because it’s easier to do a neat job and get everything lined up and spaced correctly, plus they can be peeled back off if you don’t like what you see. Good Luck, J.R.
Antionio is dead on about useing the airbrush. I just got the courage up and began painting my own paint shceme. I personally LOVE the Polly Scale Paint., Easy to use, easy to clean and spray great. There are trick and quirks you will figure out to useing an airbrush, but it easy to learn, very easy.
If you are only going to paint on or two engines, and plan on one color, doing the spray can will probabyl work just fine
First off, thank you for the comments. [:D], comiing from someone with your background that means alot.
Second, I have often read your posts and info and been in awe as you always seem to know so much. I admit, the MRL scheme was one I did not follow. I was just trying to avoid the typical 2 or 3 tone paint job you see so many do.
But the FEC scheme… well, man, you so nailed that! Even though I have never seen the scheme myself… those are the decals from them. I was surfin through the Micro-Decal box at my LHS and came across the stripes. I thought, “How cool man!” I bought 2 sets.
For refernce in case I needed more I noted that they were the decal set for 1980’s Floirda East Coast power scheme. Great call my freind[8D]
As far as the colors, after surfing s many paint schemes, black and white ironically, turned out to be the most UNcommon. So, a little red to stand out and there it is.[:)]
Hopefully in a few more weeks I will have a GE U-33 painted up. Have to re-do the family picture[;)]
I use a cheap paint sprayer and a bottle of testors air,I’ll upgrade someday,but it’s pretty easy,look at my sugar beet gons,i used a sprayer for one and the other is ready for the paint shop.I use poly scale.I have also painted a brass Mckeen motorcar and a brass decapod.I have been very pleased with the results.no more brushing for me.
I have also painted a brass Mckeen motorcar and a brass decapod.I have been very pleased with the results.no more brushing for me.