Model Train Journal

Hello. I have two mth ps1 bigboys with the same number, and I would like to change the number on one of them. Does anybody know how to get the old number off without hurting the paint? I appreciate any help................

Barry Franklin

Scrape the old number off with a blunt, curved scapel. Do not scrape into the paint. A faint amount of the old number remaining is ok. It can be used as a guide when applying the new number.


Reference: https://clarkrailworks.com/blogs/news/n ... nia-change

Whoa! Hold the scraper. Lacquer thinner will remove the lettering without damaging the paint. Just use a damp paper towel or Q tip.
The Black paint on MODERN MTH and Lionel steam engines will not be damaged by lacquer thinner. Do NOT use it on any other manufacturers engines including Williams, Weaver, and 3rd Rail. It will damage their paint.

Before.



After



Finished



This is an MTH Big Boy that was numbered 4012. The whole number was removed and replaced.



Pete

Thanks for the help guys................
Barry

You are very welcome, Barry.
If you go ahead and remove the numbers, I would like to hear the method you used and your thoughts on the result.

Well, here's the results. Lacquer Thinner. I must have done something wrong...........................
Barry

I tried to put a picture up, but I guess I don't know how. I took the paint off..................

catd69u wrote:I tried to put a picture up, but I guess I don't know how.

Photos have to be hosted somewhere other than here.

I took the paint off..................

Just the numbers or more?

I have tried and tried to post a picture, but I can't get it to post. I tried the lacquer thinner, but the paint came off with the number. Oh well............I don't have anyplace to host pictures.

Thank you for letting us know the method and results, Barry.
If you would like, I can post your photos here.
Send to waynebenda@gmail.com

catd69u wrote:I have tried and tried to post a picture, but I can't get it to post.

Again, photos have to hosted 1st somewhere else; photo hosting on this site is non-functional.
Over in Forum Support you'll find 3 options for dealing with this issue.
viewforum.php?f=3

For now, contact Wayne and he'll handle them for you.

I tried the lacquer thinner, but the paint came off with the number.

There are very few paints that will resist lacquer thinner.....

I guess I should have asked for instructions before I tried this. I guess you just rub the lacquer thinner on the number itself? I really didn't think about it, as I don't know much about paints and such. I reckon I should have known better.........................
Barry

I sent a picture to Wayne, I think.
Barry

catd69u wrote:I guess I should have asked for instructions before I tried this. I guess you just rub the lacquer thinner on the number itself? I really didn't think about it, as I don't know much about paints and such. I reckon I should have known better.........................
Barry

Probably with a Q-Tip on the number using minimal thinner - just a little at a time - sneak up on it, sort of.

catd69u wrote:I guess I should have asked for instructions before I tried this. I guess you just rub the lacquer thinner on the number itself? I really didn't think about it, as I don't know much about paints and such. I reckon I should have known better.........................
Barry

I should have mentioned you test it on a place not seen like the inside. You only apply it with a damp paper towel or Q tip to the lettering. It usually only takes a few seconds and it wipes right off. I had a tender I wanted to completely strip. Immersing it in lacquer thinner for over an hour didn’t even soften the black paint. At the time I had access to methylene chloride. It used to be the active ingredient in the best paint strippers. That had the paint off in about a minute.

Pete