Switcher repair

i bought an old switcher for 20 bucks on ebay that needed to be rewired, all done and running great. now the body was repainted and looks horrible. i was wondering if there are any tricks to take the old paint off and start over.

Reply to
Joe
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What brand / manufacturer?

Assung the shll is plastic and not metal, be aware that different cos. used different plastics and there are some things which are better than others on certain plastics.

Generally, a strong alkali cleaner called "SuperClean Tough Degreaser" will take off most paint without screwing up most plastics. Note the qualifiers. I get mine in a gallon jug at a local auto supply chain called Knechts. (Portland, OR area.).

Soak the shell in a non reactive (glass or plastic) "meat loaf" shaped pan / container for 6 hours, scrub with disposable tooth brush. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.

Repeat as necessary.

Use nitrile gloves and eye protection when pouring and when scrubbing.

Some folks swear by brake fluid. Brake fluid can be a little more agressive with some plastics. You only find out by trying. Thats why I like the Super Clean.

Reply to
jJim McLaughlin

You can use Scalecoat paint remover. Paul

Reply to
PJCS

Brake Fluid.

99% Isopropanol aka rubbing alchohol.

-- Cheers

Roger T. Home of the Great Eastern Railway at:-

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48° 25' North Longitude: 123° 21' West

Reply to
Roger T.

On 2/12/2008 4:53 PM Roger T. spake thus:

I endorse the former (brake fluid), but not the latter (alcohol), simply because I've never used it and I know brake fluid works. Alcohol *might* work, and it's unlikely to harm plastic.

You can also use a very strong soap solution (laundry detergent, concentrated cleaner like Simple Green, etc.), which won't harm plastic either, but might take longer to soften up the paint.

Just out of curiosity, what exactly is your little switcher? Might help to know who made it and about how old it is.

Reply to
David Nebenzahl

the switcher is a lionel mkt switcher from the 50's the nw-2 body style

Reply to
Joe

body style

Then I highly recommend Chameleon Products paint remover. For pre-1955 Lionel plastic shells you want the "Gel" formula. Info can be found at:

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Len

P.S. I have no financial interest in these guys (except the charges on my credit card ;^)), I have used the product and it does work.

Reply to
Len

On 2/13/2008 12:53 AM Len spake thus:

You know, you really don't have to include those "disclaimers"; I think most of us can work out that you're simply being helpful by posting a link to a commercial entity, and not spamming the newsgroup.

Reply to
David Nebenzahl

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