Sicne we’ve had a glut of painting threads coem through recently, I figure I can make use of a project and maybe better answer some questions. Yes, I know, I already have one thread on these engines, but I’m hoping to do a slightly different focus.
First, let me introduce the victims: I’m plannign to redress
!(http://www.jsmatt.com/M_R_Engines/10_Kato SD90_43MAC UP 8104.JPG)
into
. Also, one of them will become
and I may go through the process of doing the engine, but I expect that warbonnet to be a strong PITA to do, so that’ll be another time.
Anyway. So the first thing that needs to be done when stripping paint, is to dissassemble the shell to as many workable parts as you can. You can see what I’ve done in this photo here:
To get to the cab windows to be removed, as well as the light piping for the headlights, I pulled the entie cab and body off the running boards, and that off the frame of the loco. The cab and the back step assembly are two pieces as well. I was not aware the nose was a separate piece until today, but there’s really no reason to remove it, bcause it’s not blocking anything from getting painted. Since the fuel tank and trucks are already a decent grey, I will probably treat them as a “primer” and go straight for the aluminum paint. less trouble for me.
Here’s my paint stripping rig. It;s just a rubbermaid tub and a dentist’s free toothbrush. Thwe toothbrush is for scrubbing the shell. This will help loosen stubborn paint, and work in and around handrails, if they are still on the model. In general, it’s a good idea to remove details, so you don’