Switcher repair

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.

You can use Scalecoat paint remover. Paul

Brake Fluid.

-- Cheers

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

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.

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

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:

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.

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.