I have a set of 2023 shells here with roof warpage and a sunken spot over the cab on one side. My question is, has anyone successfully tried heating the shell in some manor to remove or lessen the warpage? I have them stripped but want to make them as good as possible before paint. Im thinking maybe a heat gun, hair dryer, or maybe a grill lighter to heat the spot and gently push it back into place? What did you do?
Rob
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I have tried that Rob, with no success. Just made the shells totally unuseable, a lot worse than before.
Rob,
Plastic or bakelite tends to warp because of internal stresses in the material caused by the molding process. These stresses tend to always develop in the same areas in most shells based on the shape of the molded shell.
As time passes, the releasing of these stresses causes warping. If you heat the material, any remaining stresses are relieved quickly by even more warping. As Chuck implied, it's best to leave well enough alone. It is just a characteristic of these and some other postwar shells. 
Jim
Thanks for the advise guys. Who has the side "union pacific" water slide decals for the Union Pacific Alco? I have the nose decals here.
Rob
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