Changing paint scheme on a painted loco

[TR-Flyer]

Was reading the thread on painting an undecorated loco and decided to ask everyone's advise on a related subject.

What would your recommendations be for the best way to change the paint scheme on a Baldwin switcher? The paint scheme i have is not elaborate, but there is a stripe and there are several roadname and logo decals to be painted over. I'm concerned about obscuring and or removing the details depending upon how the paint is removed or prepped for the new paint scheme.

Thanks again for any help,
Ted

 

[Tyson Rayles]

TR, I have always soaked the body parts in automotive brake fluid for an hour or so, then scrubbed it with a medium stiff brush in the sink under warm running water. Takes everything right off. I have done this with cars and locos made by Kato, Life-Like, Atlas, Arnold and Bachman. If you have a different brand you might want to test a spot first although I don't think you will have a problem.

 

[rockislandmike]

Isopropyl alcohol, 91%-99%. Soaked my pre-painted locos for about half an hour, then scrubbed. Removed about 99% of the paint.

 

[billk]

Also have heard that Pine Sol (straight up) works.

Sometimes.

Since what works or not and what destroys the shell or not depends on who made the shell, exactly what the plastic is, what kind of paint was used and how it was applied, and how the lettering, etc. was applied, I think it would always be wise to do some kind of test, unless you're absolutely sure.