Eagle Project (UP 25457)

Landan Van Cleave Aug 23, 2018

  1. Landan Van Cleave

    Landan Van Cleave New Member

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    Hey all,

    I'm new to the forum, and I'm new to railroad stuff. I'm looking at conducting an Eagle Scout project to repaint UP 25457 (picture attached below). Since the picture the quality of the paint job has deteriorated pretty bad and could use a touch up.

    I came here because I have a couple of questions I was hoping I could get an answer to, primarily what kind of paint and what quantity I would need to repaint 25457 (I may need to find the PaintBoard forum instead for this one though lol).

    Secondly, if anyone knows where I could get decals to keep lettering and numbering as accurate as possible, or if I should just tape around it all when the paint is done.

    It's a hefty project and slightly time sensitive. If anyone has any info that could help me it would be greatly appreciated. :) UP_25457.jpg
     
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  2. Eagle2

    Eagle2 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    We have some folks here who have done similar so hopefully one of them will chime in. I'll just throw out a Good Luck on the project for now and avoid giving bad advice...
     
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  3. bremner

    bremner Staff Member

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    Oh this is going to be tough, usually those letters and numbers are usually painted with stencils.
     
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  4. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Probably the best person with the moat experience will be Russell Straw. He is involved rebuilding cars including repainting.

    Hey Russ, where you be? This boy needs yo hep Son. (y)
     
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  5. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I have been involved in a project or two. Easiest is to simply take numerous photos, do measuring of placements and make stencils.

    Also, you might check with any local sign shops. They might donate materials, give advice or even become involved.
     
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  6. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    I don't know if this will help you much but in repainting the Missouri Pacific caboose shown here, we contracted a professional rail car painter. They used Imron paint which is quite expensive but lasts a very long time. We were able to obtain vinyl stick on logos and lettering from a contact through the Missouri Pacific Historical Society. The vinyl appliques will age a lot faster than the paint and will probably have to be replaced much sooner.
    [​IMG]
     
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  7. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

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    I did my Eagle Project at a railroad museum, but I avoided the trains. Believe me, your biggest problem will be fundraising. You will also need some kind of paint booth and airbrush system. An automotive brush might work. I have never painted a train, but I wouldn't trust the other Scouts in your troop to do it correctly. We have a lot of first and second-year scouts in my troop, so when I did my project, I had a minimum age that was allowed to come so there would be at least some form of competency.
     
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  8. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Several good tips above. You may also want to reach out to the Union Pacific public relations department as they may be able to provide some information in regards to this as well. Be sure and inform them that this is for an Eagle project. The UP Historical Society would probably be a good place to check for obtaining information on the correct colors to use. Imron paint is what was probably used the last time it was painted and as Russell noted, it is expensive, probably prohibitively expensive for an eagle project. Talk to local paint suppliers in your area and see what they recommend to last in your local conditions and go with that. Best of luck with this project. I'm sure many here would enjoy seeing a picture of the finished project if you have time when it's done.
     
  9. ddm502001

    ddm502001 TrainBoard Member

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    Imron or another epoxy based finish will require some special gear to place. The epoxy based materials will harden in the lungs and can become a cancer inducer. I was in the Truck trades when it became popular. Cannot be roller applied as needs the agitation of air spray to make it adhere and self etch to the original finish, will require heavy envelope of plastic to a tent function if used. Have seen some very good exterior oil based roller applied paints but not sure if they will adhere well.
     
  10. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    As I recall it, when the Milwaukee Road Little Joe, (E70), was placed at the present Deer Lodge Prison display site, it was repainted with Imron. It did not weather well. Faded/washed out after only a few years. I wonder.... :(
     
  11. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    Hmm, somehow sounds like misinformation to me. We have had very good experience with it. This is the oldest Imron paint job we have in the collection, about 20 years old. The paint is maybe a little oxidized but mostly dusty. The dark spots on the side are from where weeds and other vegetation grew up along side of it in the storage lot and brushed back and forth in the wind. A good washing would do wonders. The roof has a few problems but that is from poor preparation allowing rust to work its way up from underneath.
    DSC_0034.jpg
    On this car we used automotive lacquer. Did not age well.
    DSC_0037.jpg

    This is about 4 year old Imron. The roof needs leaks repaired, therefore the tarp.
    DSC_0035.jpg
     
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  12. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    They may have misinformed us, (that was published in historical society issues), but I did see the before and after so know first hand there was a change...

    My now gone race boat was originally professionally painted with Imron. It also showed some aging, albeit minor.
     
  13. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

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    I will be of no help in your selection of paint, but as an Eagle Scout, I commend you for this project. Back in my day the requirement for a special project was not in effect. This one of yours is a good one and an avenue for the scouts to obtain the Railroading merit badge (if it still exists these days.)
     
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  14. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

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    I have the railroading merit badge. Probably the only one in my troop who got it.
     
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  15. Landan Van Cleave

    Landan Van Cleave New Member

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    Thanks everyone for your feedback and input! You have all been very helpful :)
     
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  16. Kurt Moose

    Kurt Moose TrainBoard Member

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    Keep us updated! (y)
     
  17. mmi16

    mmi16 TrainBoard Member

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    Looks like ACL instead of GM&O.
     
  18. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    It certainly does.

    Is that SP&S car actually in TX?
     
  19. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    Yup, BN was using it for MOW service in Houston before they donated it to the Gulf Coast Chapter NRHS.
     
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