Remember when BN took over they repainted all the frisco locomotives rather quickly. Well now that will be reversed on my layout. I will be repainting my bachmann SD40-2 into frisco O/W soon! I'm getting ready to go get the paint today. After I re paint I will get Decals. If painting of the SD40-2 goes well I'll repaint my F7AB set frisco O/W. And then if I still have some red paint left I'll repaint my n scale E8. Wish me luck! When I get the paint done on the SD40-2 I'll poast the results.
Ok I finished the paint on Thursday, but just now got the chance to get the pictures posted. It didn't turn out great, but it turn out completely terrible. But you have to start some were. The first thing I did was use some sort of paint remover in a can I found the shed I sprayed it according to the directions and it melted the plastic a little bit. Now when I say "melted" I mean that the stuff it's self wasn't hot, but it like chemically melted it. I had to go with brush on acrylic paint because it was cheaper than spray but I wish I would have gone with spray because it filled in the gaps on the vents and was messy even when I tapped it off to the best if my abilities. Because of that I will not be re painting my F7 or E8. But here are the pics any way. Before After
I dont wanna sound mean because I am not a mean person. Just a little friendly advice, next time I would read the label and make sure that the paint remover is the right kind to use on the plastic that the engine shell is made of. You might wanna try watching Ebay and see if there are any FRISCO sd40-2 engine shells being auctioned at this time. I just looked and there is a FRISCO SD40-2 dummy available. It is #954 so it is painted and everything. All you have to do is paint and install the handrails and place it on the frame and you are ready to roll. |-|
I'd like to add 2 cents in a hopeful sort of way. I really feel bad that you had the experience that you had. I would like to add some encouragement for you. We alll have had times in our lives that we have done things that we should have not. I messed up several (now expensive) Lionel cars and one loco by doing modifications and paint jobs on them when I was your age. Sometimes paint can be removed from a plastic shell using laundry detergent - make a strong solution and let it soak for several hours. An old tooth brush can be used to get the paint out of the details. Ask a lot of questions on the forum - I think that most all of the folks here will be glad to help. I do not know what modifications would be in order, but "Meteor910" has an Atlas SD40 dummy very reasonable that maybe might be able to fit your Bachmann chassis. (Anyone out there have any information?) Don't give up the Ship, Darn the torpedoes, Full speed ahead. Sherrel Weems
To bad! I guess that you've found out the hard way that paint stripper meant for wood doesn't work on plastic, it disolves it. However there are commercially available paint strippers out there specifically made for plastic. I just received a Model Railroader yesterday (May 2009) in which they describe a product called Chameleon. I also recall another product called Wash Away, but have no idea if this is still available. However, I've never used either one of these. I got a tip from an old timer when I first got into the hobby to use automotive brake fluid. It has the advantage of being cheap and readily available. Find an old cake or pie pan, one that you're not going to use for food any longer, and pour enough brake fluid in to cover the bottom. Next dip all sides of your model in the fluid and let it soak overnight. The next day you should see the paint bubbling up on the surface. Scub the model with an old toothbrush and rinse it off under water. It's going to take 3 or 4 applications to most of the paint off. Undoubtably the will still be some paint around details and in crevases. You can pick that off with a pin. When your satisfied that all the paint is removed, wash the model in soap and water and when it's dry, you're ready for paint! BTW you may want to test this first on the inside of the shell to make sure that it doesn't disolve the plastic. Rich
It looks like your paint stripper melted the plastic. I'd bet you can get a replacement from Bachmann rather inexpensively. The folks at Bachmann are very easy to get along with. Good luck to you. John M
I've had success using 91% isopropyl alcohol on N scale shells- it removes the paint, doesn't strip the shell, and it can be found at your local WalMArt (have your folks buy it). It's also pretty cheap. Set the shell in a container full of the stuff, let it sit a few minutes, remove the shell, and use an old toothbrush on the shell. The paint should start to lift off. Of course, not having experience with Bachmann shells myself, they may need to soak a while. When done, dispose of the alcohol properly. Keep it in a well-ventilated area and away from open flame while in use.
