stripping proto 2000 shells

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello,

I would like to strip the paint off of a couple of P2K E7’s. They were probably manufactured in the late 90’s or so.

Has anyone stripped these types of shells and what did you use?

I was thinking of trying 91% alcohol first and then working from there if that doesn’t work.

Thanks,

Alex

2

I haven’t stripped a P2K E unit, but I’ve had good luck with Easy-Off oven cleaner or Castrol Super Clean (the degreaser, not the concrete cleaner). Both will take off paint. However, both chemicals can give nasty chemical burns, so be careful with them. I use an old pair of pliers or tongs to hold parts while rinsing them off with water. Also, you’ll need some sort of plastic container to contain the liquid–an old Tupperware or similar container works great.

3

I don’t know about the Castrol product, but wear goggle type eye protection when using EZ Off or any oven cleaner. In fact, wear eye protection using any paint stripper. EZ Off is a strong alkali, so it dissolves the proteins in the wall of your eye. Alkali eye burns generally have a poor prognosis. In this regard, it is worse than getting in your eye (also not recommended). Other than that, Happy Modelling, Ken

4

I’m about to soak a P2K E7 shell in 91% alcohol. I will post the results when done.[;)]

5

91% alcohol works wonderfully. Let it sit sumberged for a while and when the lettering/numbering starts to lift a little you can take a soft bristel tooth brush and get most of the paint off easily. I usually let it soak after that for a little while and go back with a fine brush to get paint out of all the details. Good luck! [tup]

6

I’ve been soaking a GP38-2 for a week in 99% and it hasn’t done a thing.

7

Which brand?

8

Thanks, I had heard 91% alcohol stripped early Proto 2000 shells but wanted to make sure. Thanks for the responses.

Alex

9

I don’t know who made the shell, but the loco is from Roco. (lol, rhyme time).