Masking loco's

I've got a question aimed at the "painting pro's." When painting an O&W unit how do you go about getting the correct size of tape down? What type of tape do you use? I can't seem to find any tape at walmart that will fit between the grilles and the bottom of the cab.

Would something like 1/2" or 1/4" wide tape work?

Ethan

 

Go to AutoZone and get some pinstripe. Use it to mask the finer area. Get the 1/8 inch stuff. Also you might take the cab off and do it separate of the rest of the locomotive body.
George

 

Ethan,

I used to use 1/2 inch Scotch brand tape because it was approximately the right width and it was inexpensive. I always had trouble with the color separation line because I could not get it to settle down over all the doors and hinges. A little bit of Mandarin would bleed down on the white each time I painted a diesel. shooting a little Floquil Clear Coat would help but not as much as I would have liked.

A few years ago I found some tape at the local hobby store used by car and aircraft modelers and I think it is made by Testors. It comes in several widths and is a slightly green color. It flexible enough so that it sticks well around doors and hinges and comes off without pulling any paint off. By tape standards, it is probably expensive but my color separation lines are better with this tape. I will see if I can find a link to this tape so you can check it out.

 

There's also "drafting" (Or draftsman's) tape from an art shop or engineer's supply. It's a low-adhesive paper tape that looks like masking tape, but it can be pressed down tight with a knife or tool, but isn't too sticky to pull up the paint when you remove it.

Tom G.

 

I have had good luck using 3M Blue Painters Tape. I cut a new edge on it before I put it on the model. Use a burnishing tool to be it is down well on the model. It will not leave residue on the model.