painting a Engine

[jimlar19]

Hi every one i an new here have been lurking for a couple weeks this is a great place to learn. I have a question about a Athearn SD45-2  H O engine this is a undercoated.  I am in the process of paintind it and i need to know what to prep the surface with, i take it you do not sand or skuff it up as you would knock all the detail s off . Also the power trucks have plastic side detail molding attached to both sides of the truck itself  how do you get them off to paint, do they snap off or do you leave them on and paint around them, i dont want to start prying on them and break one if they dont just pop off.

Thanks   Jim

[jbaakko]

Standard Athearn side frames pop off, they're just friction held.  I use the tip of tweezers to pry mine off, carefully.

You can buy a grit blaster, but if the model is undecorated, just a simple washing with soap & water, a good rinse, and primer will work fine.

[CoalPorter]

To prep plastic models, I soak it in warm soapy water then rinse and dry. The I clean it with alcohol. Do not use pure thinner on the plastic, as it will soften and generally leave a gummy texture.

[wcfn100]

Wash warm with soap.

Rinse with COLD water.


Jason

[ednadolski]

Hi Jim, the current issue or Model Railroader mag (May 2009) has a how-to on painting an engine:

http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=ci&id=6

[wm3798]

If you want to know how NOT to paint an engine, just watch me!

Lee

[MrKLUKE]

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