Fixing scratch in number board on new MTH Premier Metra engine

I would try it and if you don't like it order a new number board from MTH. Sure beats taking the top off. Good looking engine, I really like mine.

franktrain

I would use paint. Marker, although helping the cause, is not going to be opaque enough.

Man I have to admit it is such a small defect but it is really  annoying.I second BIG's advice.Nick

Minor, sort of, but up front and lighted up!  MTH should take care of this.  We pay nearly $500 for these and we should expect nothing less than quality.  Yes, things happen, the key is how a well manufacturer responds to correcting the issue.   MTH rarely has paint blemishes, very rare.  But have them take care of you.

  Still awaiting my two VIA Rail F40PH units.  :-)

Thank you for the suggestions everyone, I will see if I can fix it and if not have MTH take care of it.

On a secondary note I do love this engine as it's very prototypical in looks and sound. I rode the Metra train for 7 years so I have been next to these engines thousands of times.

MTH products seldom have defects, but when they do show up MTH has always been very responsive in correcting them.  Contact their Customer Service.  

SURFLINER posted:

MTH products seldom have defects, but when they do show up MTH has always been very responsive in correcting them.  Contact their Customer Service.  

I am glad to hear they have improved on responsiveness!

- Real number boards do get cracked and damaged; your "problem" could become a "feature". (Semi-serious suggestion...)

- Repair it with black paint, a toothpick and patience, from the back, not the front. If the board will "pop out" from the front (careful with that, too), you may be lucky. It may be part of a larger piece, though.

- Just remove the shell; it's not a big deal, typically. Get at things from the rear. Leave it in and do a RIP-track repair if possible.

- I usually use a craft store black acrylic for such things; check from behind with a light after each application - it may or may not take more than one, and this will also reveal mistakes.

- Why craft store acrylic? It's water-based; mistakes are much easier to remove; enamel tends to commit you very quickly.