N Scale KCS SW1500

[Philip H]

With the announcement of the near term end of MTL production of the SW1500 (an iconic loco for more then Conrail Queens), I decided to get on with building mine in white.

When they first came out I grabbed one in UP (!) and after taking it apart, the shell was readied for its cerimoniap dunking:

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After bathing two hours in 91% isopropyl, it is ready for primer:

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We'll just pretend it's not molded in yellow plastic and move on, shall we? 

[peteski]

I don't see anything, but a coat of Tamiya Fine White Primer might be a good idea to get a nice white final coat. 

[Philip H]

Not sure what you aren't seeing . . . . but the UP shell (Painted in Armor Yellow and Grey) is actually cast in yellow plastic.

So your recommendation is a good one.

[amato1969]

I don't see anything, but a coat of Tamiya Fine White Primer might be a good idea to get a nice white final coat. 

Oh yes, Tamiya Fine White is the cure for nasty/primer-colored plastic!

  Frank

[Philip H]

Oh yes, Tamiya Fine White is the cure for nasty/primer-colored plastic!

  Frank

@peteski  (or anyone else) - doesn't Tamiya also make a polycarbonate primer thats good for the delrin handrails etc?

[peteski]

Not sure what you aren't seeing . . . . but the UP shell (Painted in Armor Yellow and Grey) is actually cast in yellow plastic.

So your recommendation is a good one.

That was my poor attempt to your "We'll just pretend it's not molded in yellow plastic and move on, shall we?" statement.  My response should have been something like: No need to pretend - just shoot it with Tamiya Fine White primer.

As far as polycarbonate primer goes, I think that Tamiya does (or did) have a line of paints for polycarbonate, but I'm not really familiar with it.  I have some Pactra paints for polycarbonate bodies.  But I have also seen mentions (here on TRW) of modelers using adhesion promoter spray on handrails. You can get that in a spray can at auto supply stores.  If you search the forum for "adhesion promoter" you should be able to find more info.

[Philip H]

Thanks for the memory jog - I couldn't remember what I was looking for and google was doing a pissy job of reading my mind.

[cjm413]

Were there any SW1500's that were retrofitted with the full-length handrails on the sills before they were repainted gray?

[Philip H]

Were there any SW1500's that were retrofitted with the full-length handrails on the sills before they were repainted gray?

Honestly I'll have to look.

Stand by.

[Philip H]

Didn't get to answering that question yet, but did take delivery of some parts to replace the bell and one stack I lost:

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Not sure what I will do with the rest just yet. The retailer, small tank and gon load of scrap were a thank you for my first direct from MT order. @Shipsure - tell the shipping folks thanks - that was a neat surprise.

[cjm413]

Didn't get to answering that question yet, but did take delivery of some parts to replace the bell and one stack I lost:

(Attachment Link)

Not sure what I will do with the rest just yet. The retailer, small tank and gon load of scrap were a thank you for my first direct from MT order. @Shipsure - tell the shipping folks thanks - that was a neat surprise.

+1 - I've had nothing but excellent customer service from MTL.

[Philip H]

Were there any SW1500's that were retrofitted with the full-length handrails on the sills before they were repainted gray?

Yes:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1032189

[Philip H]

Got some adhesion promoter and then started laying down the flat black:

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Also started spraying the white:

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[SSW7771]

Lookin good. How do you like that spray booth?

[Philip H]

it's good.  Not great, not fabulous, but good.  The initial spray points in those pics was too high so I cut down the foam paintbrush handles. sray lower and it really does well.  You just have to have new filter material - once it starts to get paint clogged it really drops off in the CFS department.