Comments on: How to Remove Paint from Locomotive Shells

By: Craig Ingham

Craig Ingham — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 01:32:32 +0000

There are a number of actions. One that has been successful for me is break fluid. Do a quick test first on plastic bodies by putting a small spot on the inside of the body and watch for a reaction. It may take several hours to show. Metal bodies are not a problem..

By: Flash215

Flash215 — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 02:52:31 +0000

Another brake fluid user here. It’s a shame that the previous owner painted them because I have found that it’s much easier to remove old paint than it is to remove newer paints. Just submerge them in brake fluid and let them sit overnight. Scrub them off with an old toothbrush under water, then repeat if necessary.

By: Frank B

Frank B — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 00:30:29 +0000

In reply to W Rusty Lane.

Acetone WILL MELT polystyrene plastic !

There are special model paint stripping products for exactly this purpose, available at model shops etc.
Or search online or on model shop websites for “model paint stripper”.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 00:19:30 +0000

This question came at the best time! I am in the middle of stripping/repainting a 3rd locomotive.

I can also do a tutorial on how to repaint a locomotive if anyone is interested.

By: Steve Sorenson

Steve Sorenson — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 02:24:47 +0000

I have some 2inch pipe fittings: two connectors and two plugs. I am in HO scale so I use a 15in piece of pipe. You can use whatever method(alcohol or brake fluid) you chose in the pipe. Let them soak overnight or however long it takes inside the pipe.

By: Sheldon Clark

Sheldon Clark — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 15:44:43 +0000

In reply to Martin Olley. I'd be very much inclined to test such things very carefully first, on a part of the model that won't show. I once used a product called Brush Magic (intended for cleaning brushes, of course) & ended up with a model that looked as if its planking had suffered from dry rot, wet rot & general wear & tear for 50 years.

By: Robert Carter

Robert Carter — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 07:45:10 +0000

Brake fluid has always worked for me. It’s easy to buy and non caustic.

By: Scott Cameron

Scott Cameron — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 03:25:30 +0000

I use spray oven cleaner. It attacks and eats the paint but will not damage the plastic. Put the model in a plastic container that will fit the model and spray the dickens out of the model. I let it sit overnight and then wash it off with water the next day. Use a container with a lid that seals so fumes don’t gas you out while you sleep. The treatment may need to be repeated and or some minor sanding to get back to original.

By: Peter Brixey

Peter Brixey — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 02:27:59 +0000

In reply to Jack L. Casner. Brake fluid works very well and does not attack plastic or metal. For very stubborn plastic and die-cast I use Drano. The fastest brake fluid strip job I have ever done took 2 minutes, the longest was 1 day.

By: Roger Ringnalda

Roger Ringnalda — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 02:12:56 +0000

Another way that works, although time-consuming is to sand-blast it BUT with a micro blaster and use baking soda as the medium. The baking soda will slowly remove the layer(s) of paint without damaging the details that were cast in the original model. Like I said it takes time, but I have used this method to take models painted with spray enamels and lacquers back down to the initial plastic layer without any damage to the details. The use of alcohol will help to soften the finish, especial if it is a lacquer, but I would avoid Acetone as it will dissolve most plastics even in small amounts.

By: Ross Oddi

Ross Oddi — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 01:50:08 +0000

I use Pinesol cleaner. It works and is environmentally friendly.

By: Anthony Diyenna

Anthony Diyenna — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 01:27:36 +0000

I’ve had good success with automotive brake fluid (Prestone, but other brands probably work as well). First wash the shell in detergent & warm water to remove any surface dirt or residues, rinse well with cool water, and when dry leave the shell soaking in the brake fluid in a covered container overnight. The next day, take the shell over to the sink and use an old toothbrush to remove the loosened paint. THIS PART IS IMPORTANT: Do not do this under running water, as the water tends to stop the paint stripping action of the brake fluid. Once all the paint has been brushed off, wash the shell in detergent & warm water again, rinse with cool water and set on paper toweling to air dry before painting.