Painting brass locomotives

[sajordan]

I received some good advice from Waltr and Bobh regarding Hon3 motive power, and now have a few more questions. I really like the shays listed on Shayfixer.com, and may purchase one from that shop. However, I’d like to run it in typical colors (black). Given this is a PFM brass loco; will I be diminishing the value of the piece by slathering on some paint? I don’t plan on a resale, I want to play with it, but.
In addition, any good advice or threads on painting these brass art pieces?

Thanks Steve

 

[SABRR]

Only the quality of the paint job will raise or diminish the price of the piece. I highly suggest you get the video:

How to paint a steam locomotive.

They show you how to paint a brass locomotive from beginning to end, including all the prep you have to do to it prior to painting. You cannot just paint a brass locomotive. It won't work that way.

 

[Graff]

And I sincerely recommend you let someone with a lot of experience do it.....
I can't count all the times that I've recieved locos for repaint from clients where they had a "go" themselves.....
The amount of care required to get a good paintjob is almost painful for a beginner....
Check out the custom painters in your area and see what they would charge you for a paintjob.
My two cents....

 

[waltr]

Thanks. I also keep looking at the engines from ShayFixer. Maybe next year sometime I'll get a Shay or Climax in HOn3.

Here is a web sites on painting brass that may be helpful:
http://schutzer.net/index.htm

There is another that goes step by step but the bookmark is not on this PC. I'll try to post it tonight.

Edit:
Here is the other link.
http://members.shaw.ca/brown5339/K36Painting.htm

 

[Espeefan]

I received some good advice from Waltr and Bobh regarding Hon3 motive power, and now have a few more questions. I really like the shays listed on Shayfixer.com, and may purchase one from that shop. However, I’d like to run it in typical colors (black). Given this is a PFM brass loco; will I be diminishing the value of the piece by slathering on some paint? I don’t plan on a resale, I want to play with it, but.
In addition, any good advice or threads on painting these brass art pieces?

Thanks Steve

A good paint job will generally enhance a model's value. A poor one or a freelanced one will usually lower the value. Both painting and mechanical skills are required. The video referenced will get you an acceptable paint job, but not a professional quality one. (the value enhancing type) If you have the skills, give it a shot, but if you have any doubt, you'll probably do better finding a painter.

Good Luck!

 

[sajordan]

Thanks for the good advice

I can paint a bit, and usually clean the castings with Benchly bleachwihte (but thats for resin stuff). I have found a local RR shop in town, I need to visit, spend some money, and see about joining a club to find some talented people.