Removing Engine Numbers From Atlas Loco Cabs

[BCR751]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but I just can't find where.  I need to change the engine number on an Atlas C-630 loco cab.  I tried soaking the numbers in alcohol and rubbing with a soaked Q-Tip.  No joy.  Is there a way to remove these numbers without ruining the base paint?

Doug

[Spades]

Well there was this: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=40425.msg499430#msg499430

I'm fond of https://www.facebook.com/AthearnModelTrains/videos/10152936814060041

[craigolio1]

Doug Ive used the Micro Sol method and soft white eraser with success on several models (not an atlas loco though). I masked around the numbers in a rectangle so the eraser only rubbed the intended area.  The scotch tape over the softened numbers sounds like a cool trick to try.

Craig

[davefoxx]

I tried that MicroSol trick on an N scale Atlas MP15DC with no success.  I would love to hear of solutions that were successful.

DFF

[BCR751]

Tried the Micro-Sol soaked tissue over the paint for 5 minutes method...no joy.  Didn't make a dent in the paint/ink/whatever Atlas uses.  The method of removal likely depends on the type of stuff used to make the numbers.  Need to find something that will remove them without damaging the base paint.  If it's actual paint, maybe the only way to do it would be to use a new XACTO blade and an Optivisor and very carefully scrape it off.  Worth a try if there's nothing chemical that will do it.

Doug

[peteski]

Tried the Micro-Sol soaked tissue over the paint for 5 minutes method...no joy.  Didn't make a dent in the paint/ink/whatever Atlas uses.  The method of removal likely depends on the type of stuff used to make the numbers.  Need to find something that will remove them without damaging the base paint.  If it's actual paint, maybe the only way to do it would be to use a new XACTO blade and an Optivisor and very carefully scrape it off.  Worth a try if there's nothing chemical that will do it.

Doug

Usually the road numbers (and other shell decorations) are done using Tampo printing which uses ink formulated differently than the overall paint used on the shell.  But thre seem to be many different chemical formulations of both the base-coat paint and the printing ink. So, some Tampo inks can be easily removed with some mild solvent which will not attack the base paint, but some other inks might not be easily removed by chemical means without damaging the base paint too.  In that case mechanical abrasion (scraping/sanding) might be the only viable option.

Another method would be to try to custom mix some hobby paint to match the shell's base color and sheen, then airbrush the entire panel of the model which has the road number.  Apply the new road number decal and then spray the entire model with clear coat to blend it all in.

[BCR751]

I went with the more physical method last night using a new XACTO blade and the Optivisor.  It took a while but it worked.  You can barely tell the numbers were scraped off.  A little burnishing with a soft eraser smoothed it out.

Doug

[atsf3751]

What I have used for decades to remove lettering is a product called "Easy-Lift-Off". Wipe it on and let it soak for a while. Then use a brush to wipe it around the lettering, this will soften the lettering up. Wipe that off with a paper towel and reapply. Repeat this until lettering is gone, this usually takes less than ten minutes. Once all lettering is gone wash the shell with soap and water because ELO will continue to work on the paint, washing it neutralizes it.

[coosvalley]

I use Solvaset and a toothpick when removing lettering from Atlas locos, and it works like a charm...YMMV..

[mcjaco]

I use Pine Sol on Atlas locos before.  Let it sit, start working it with a Q-tip.  Repeat until it rubs off.

[LIRR]

I've scraped off numbers using a new #11 exact blade. It takes patience and a very light touch...