Would it cause any harm to paint the lower portion of the frame (Atlas locomotive models) to hide the silver like color? I want to paint the area where the fuel tanks typically go. Not a lot of paint, and not the whole frame, I just want to hide some of the frame that can be seen at certain angles. Any drawbacks or potential problems I should be aware of before doing this?
I could be completely wrong but I do not see why it could not be painted. All that is in most cases is just a weight for the engine. But as soon as you say the word all that is where you sometimes get in trouble. I would not paint the entire thing though just the parts the are slightly visible. Please wait for a second opinion to make sure I am right before you paint it. Mr X
Atlas paints parts of the lower part of the frame on the FM H15/16-44 engines. I would avoid painting the area where the Copper or brass pickup strips contact the frame. Otherwise, I can't think of a reason not to paint it. Mark
As long as you are neat with it and be sure not to let paint run or drip into the motor armature, contacts, bushings, or gears, you should be fine. Any tabs or pickups be sure to keep clear of so the so as not to interfere with electrical connection. I have painted visable parts like that myself with no issues. Just be neat and strategic about it, and not turn it into a paint bomb.
LifeLike used to paint the frame/weight with black Magic Marker were it was visible. A sharpie could be used for areas that need more accuracy.
As several have mentioned or aluded to already, the frame on split-frame engines is NOT just there for weight. It is also a conductor of electricity (whether it be DC or DCC). So as others have mentioned, be careful not to get any paint where there needs to be contact for the pickups, or the motor, or the lightboard/DCC board. I have brush-painted some of my frames where they were visible, and it works just fine. ---jps
