I just got another “brilliant” idea. [:-,] Why not take that old postwar short car (x3464), you know the one that looks like it actually went through the war, and paint it?
So, here’s the question: Where does one start? (Now, I ain’t that handy but I am adventureous) After I remove the trucks, do I strip or sand or just paint? Also, what type of paint? Lastly, since I don’t have a spray gun, can I use a brush or a commercial spray can product? As always, many thanks.
PS. If you think that the “modelers” forum is better for this question, let me know.
[#oops] Forgot to say…I am not really interested in restoring the car to an authentic original condition, just to make it look sort of clean. A “fun” project.
A safe spray paint is something in an acrylic base.Krylon is also safe on plastic The shell should be removed from the frame. Since you are painting you can touch up dings with a bondo scratch putty. The secret is layers 2 or 3 should cover any holes. For cracks I use super glue backed with a two part epoxy.I use a grey primer to cover, and search for defects before I color coat. This will improve the appearance . I paint the metal frames when they get rusty. I use a cheep primer and gloss black. If rivets hold the trucks I use blue tape on them before painting. Naturally I remove the rust. The main thing is to coat the frame and stop the rust. I string the frame from a wire to hold and you can paint most of the frame with the trucks on using every angle. I have not done boxcars but I have worked tenders with a flat black.Protect the mechanism and try not to overpaint around it. These are my basics. Nothing fancy but a little practice doesn’t hurt. I normally leave the side trucks alone. Sand with an appropriate grit. Metal should be fine (320) or higher. Try not to use a coarse grit.
I have done several restorations and I think first decide what needs to be done. Can it be partially refurbed. I have found stripping down beats taping off whenever possible. I also have used all three paint medias you referred to. Air brush, spray cans and brush. I save the brush for detail work. There are pens out with different colored ink, like sharpies to do trim, like red and black, easy and neat.
Cold gun bluing works good on trucks. Although factory exact matching paint is available, there are common sprays that come real close. I have had paint store mix colors for me too.
Practice on some really beat up cars and accesories before you dive in for the nice ones, and don’t get discouraged.
Common mistake is not prepping the surface properly for the finish coat. Ensure the primer and color coat is compatible with each other and the surface being painted. And although as simple as it sounds several light coats is better than a couple heavy coats.
As a final note, I made a drying booth that is no more than a big roaster cover with 4 light bulbs mounted on a piece of wood. After painting,
First is the paint removal. Try a search on this forum, and you will find a variety of plastic safe methods, from Superclean to laundry detergent, and read the threads. There is a lot of good information to be found.
Depending on how ‘realistic’ you want your creation to be, I agree with Dub, regarding the acrylic paints.
OTOH, Floquil makes licensed paint colors for a variety of road names, but these are a solvent base paint, and adequate ventilation, and personal protection should be observed.
One other issue you may need to address is the existing lettering on the sides of the cars may be heat stamped into the plastic. Meaning they used a heated die to emboss the lettering prior to painting. This will need to be sanded down, and filled with body filler.
Decals, or Rub ons? Both have their good and bad points. Again, search this forum.
Please post photos of your progress and methods. Can’t wait to see how things turn out!
TrainDaddy, I have written a lot about this topic in the past on this forum. Do a search for my screen name with the topics “repaint” and “decal makers” and you’ll find info. I had done this for you, and was in the process of posting the links when this forum went haywire on me, and I had to restart internet explorer, so I lost all the links I was posting for you.
I don’t think anyone on this forum has repainted more than me. I believe over half of my rolling stock is now repainted and my locos are at probably 90% repaints. I just happen to like roads that are seldom done in the types of trains I buy. Though I’m quite happy to see the new BNSF MP-15 switcher being cataloged by K-Line/Lionel. I hope it gets made and not cancelled.