Removing identification from rolling stock

[Nightwing]

I have a caboose that I need to remove some of the lettering. It looks like the lettering is painted on rather than decals, but I'm not sure. I thought of trying a tiny bit of lacquer thinner, but am afraid of damaging the surface. I also have a tender that I want to remove the line logo.

 

[montanan]

Removing lettering can be a real pain in the butt. I have a BLI locomotive that has given me fits trying to remove the lettering. You might try some paint thinner on a rag and go over the lettering lightly and see what happend. Paint thinner applied lightly shouldn't hurt the plastic if the lettering has been painted on. You could also try some iso alcohol in the same manner. Different manufacturers apply lettering in different ways. Some time a decal setting solution will remove lettering. You'll just have to experiment and see what works. By the way, the lettering is still on my BLI steamer. It is so thin that I think I can just paint over it.

 

[santafewillie]

I have removed lettering with a Brite Boy used carefully, sometimes a shot of gloss coat is needed after using it. I have also used an old fashioned pencil eraser before. Someone here once suggested using acetone, which I have only tried on painted metal.
Willie

 

[Y3a]

They DO make plastic strippers. Chameleon made a re-usable stripper that was very good.

 

[autocoach]

I have found some success removing factory printed lettering with Testors ELO (Easy Lift Off) paint and decal remover on plastic equipment. I use a very small amount applied with a green disposable micro brush. Apply and let sit for at least 30 minutes before going back with the micro brush and gently scrubbing just the unwanted painted lettering. Sometimes it takes multiple applications. Final removal of the ELO and lettering is with a clean piece of paper towel. After that be sure and wash the plastic of the model with liquid detergent and warm water to remove all traces. Work slowly and with small areas. I would not try to strip a whole car with this product. It does have a bit of odor and I would keep the lid on the can decanting just a small amount into a little container to work from. (I use the caps from emptied plastic water/drink bottles as disposable small containers for this and small batches of acrylic paint.)

The product appears to be available still in a quick google. I bought mine in my local hobby shop years ago but even Walmart is listed as carrying it at an extortionate price. If you buy an 8 oz. can it will last a long time if just used to strip occasional unwanted lettering. It does work on decals but I find Micro Sol or DioSol better and cleaner at removing old unwanted decals.

Ken

 

[jdetray]

The February 2017 issue of Model Railroader has an article called "Freelanced Paint Schemes from Factory-Painted Models." The author discusses methods for selectively removing lettering from locomotives. The methods would work equally well for rolling stock.

- Jeff

 

[BCK RR]

I have found that a set of multi colored Sharpies work well .

BCK RR

 

[cajon]

Try using 90% isopropel alcohol. Try rubbing it w/ cloth soaked in it first. If that doesn't work soak the shell in it.

 

[NP2626]

I would suggest trying either Rubbing Alcohol or Denatured Alcohol. I am removing paint from a pot metal steam locomotive right now with Denatured Alcohol. I would dip a Q-Tip in alcohol and rub the lettering you want to remove. Be careful, it may disturb the paint underneath. If it looks like it is bothering the under layer of paint, immediately use water to neutralize.