Howdy, I was just given some AZL rolling stock and have no use for the road names and was wondering if anyone has successfully removed the paint on these? I've tried a few things in the past and nothing seems to work that doesn't attack the plastic. Any help would be appreciated. Joe
Joe, I use 90% isoprophyl alcohold and the wife's toothbrush to brush it off. Dont use your own, it doesn't taste good. Oh by the way, be careful of small parts falling out. I guess they are held by the paint.
Thanks for the tips. The Alcohol worked fine. I took the cars apart before dipping them and that made things easier. Looking at etching the end rails and ladders to get a finer look to them. Joe
This is a timely thread. I just ordered an AZL GP7 in Nickel Plate, planning to strip at least the yellow lettering and stripes on the body so I can turn it into Clinchfield black. Will try the 90% first.
I did this very thing to convert a PRR GP7 into a Reading. 90% alcohol on a rubber pencil eraser worked perfectly. Details here: http://jamesriverbranch.net/project_10.htm
Just FYI: Our various factories use completely different painting materials and techniques, so a tip on how to remove paint from a tank car may, or may not work on a GP7 locomotive. The current batch of F59PHi, GP7 and SD70 were made in Korea by Ajin. The Ajin paint process produced a very tough enamel like surface - I'm pretty sure some type of ancient Korean paint baking oven was used. Good Luck, -Rob(A) AZL
OK Rob, that implies a few questions: -Are the future batches of F59PHI, SD70 and GP7 scheduled with another manufacturer? -which manufacturer will be in charge of the GP38s? -What do you recommend to remove Ajin's paint? (Indeed I'v still thoughts about the GP38s because the samples I'll purchase will lose their original paintscheme in order to receive FCCM/Genesee & Wyoming livery.) Dom
Hi Dom, 1) Yes, future runs of F59PHi, SD70 and GP7 will be made in China. 2) GP38 is being made by the same group who made the RDC, GP30, and most of our freight cars. 3) Great question, but I have never tried myself, so I don't have a suggestion. I'm sure there are others on theis forum who have vast experience. Best, -Rob(A) AZL
Ok Rob, we accept your explanation and thank you.........now get back to work on the Berkshire steam loco. I will haunt you till you capitulate or flee to the mountains... )
to 3) Ajin paint on brass is impossible to remove, on plastic Pinesol cleaner works best. On the latest Ajin locos (GP7 Nickelplate for example) the paint is much easier to remove than on a UP GP7. Nevertheless the paintlayer is mega tick and it still takes some effort.
