[jimlar19]

Hi every one i an new here have been lurking for a couple weeks this is a great place to learn. I have a question about a Athearn SD45-2 H O engine this is a undercoated. I am in the process of paintind it and i need to know what to prep the surface with, i take it you do not sand or skuff it up as you would knock all the detail s off . Also the power trucks have plastic side detail molding attached to both sides of the truck itself how do you get them off to paint, do they snap off or do you leave them on and paint around them, i dont want to start prying on them and break one if they dont just pop off.

Thanks Jim

 

[T-Man]

Welcome to the Forum Jim.
I have painted a diesel in HO with limited success. I have found the scale small to deal with using ordinary spray paint. People will tell you the airbrush is the way to go. You need to remove the shell and plastic clear lenses. I used a small X acto knilfe to break the gluing. I used a primer but the trick is to spray light. Several layers may be better than a thick one. Depending on the look and expertise. You may want to leave the trucks alone. I have touched up trucks with silver acrylic paint and a brush. To answer your question the truck sides probably pop off. I do not own one to reference.
Personally I stick to painting cast metal with black and avoid diesels and boxcars.
Southern has a picture of a diesel his 10 yr old nephew did. If you want inspiration it's in his gallery.
Do a thread on it I am sure other people would be interested.This is a big hobby with plenty of room. A first attempt at painting would make good reading. I am sure none of my work is ready to be published.LOL:laugh:
Good Luck
Bob
If stripping is required a product called Castrol Superclean is safe for plastic.

 

[jimlar19]

tman

thanks i do have a air brush that i am familar with, i did get the side frames off, i was mostly concerned with the prep work what to wash it off with and to primer it, i did get some primer from walters and i am going to wash it with dawn detergent to get finger prints off, i will post pic when it is finished.

thanks

jim

 

[T-Man]

Washing plastic. I use a liquid detergent with a soft nail brush. Easy on all lettering. If you need to get into stripping plastic Castrol Superclean is recommended. I haven't got into air brues. It sounds like you are on your way. We have some airbrush experts if a dilemma exist. We always like pictures of results. Good or Bad.
I have had good luck with a Walmart grey primer. Well shaken and bled before application. The air brush will place it on really light. I am sure you will get better results than from a spray can. I normally don't do plastic. I have used Krylon with success. If you search air brush a few brands are listed.