Picked up this uncatalogued MTH Auto Carrier in UP livery at the Amherst Show at the end of January and, since I predominantly model NE trains, I decided to repaint it in B&M colors.
First step was choosing a paint color to try and get close to B&M blue. I settled on a Krylon rattle can color called "Lagoon Blue" which is a pretty good match. It's a Fusion paint, which I believe means it is a two-part, primer and color paint in one can. It came in a satin finish.
Next, I created the "Northeast Transportation" decals on water slide paper to resemble the "Southwestern Transport" printing that was on the original UP color scheme. I also ordered the white B&M decals from K4 Decals.
After removing the diecast cars, brake wheel, black ramps and trucks from the carrier, I decided to completely disassemble the transport and paint each piece separately rather than as a whole unit; primarily because it was going to be difficult to get full paint coverage on the underside of the top panel and the insides of the side frames. Disassembly was pretty straightforward as the side frames simply snap/press into holes and slots in the top and bottom panels and can be popped out for disassembly.
Since the transport was going to be re-painted anyway, I wasn't that concerned with how I removed the existing UP pad printing and used paint thinner and some 120 grit sandpaper to do it quickly. I finished the surfaces where the new decals would go with 320 and then 600 sandpaper to get a nice, smooth surface.
Decal application was customary - gloss paint, apply decal, Micro-Sol, gloss paint. Everything was then shot with matte clear for a final finish.
To re-assemble, I installed the ramps, trucks and cars in that order and then pressed the side frames into the top and bottom panels and inserted the brake wheel. It was a good project to work on and I was very satisfied with how it came out.
