Painting Prewar Red Wheels

CountOrlockOGR Forum Member

Another question: reproduction red wheels, for say Lionel 253, are obviously quite expensive. Therefore, I got a bunch of authentic wheels and threw them into evapo-rust. It did a great job removing the rust, and the paint as well--second effect was not desired. Now, would I mask all parts of the wheel except that which is supposed to be red, and air brush an appropriate red on them? Or would this not work or not look good?

Sorry I ask so many questions, but after destroying several motors and other parts of my trains, I am hesitant to resume working on them until I get better educated on what I should be doing.

1/9/183:03 PM

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Harry HenningOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBERFORUM SPONSOR

My MEW wheels are painted w/ our # 127 Roof Red color to closely match the original Lionel color. Also, did you know that you can purchase 3 MEW sets of any "O" pre-war wheels, Lionel or American Flyer, mix or match, for only $75.00.? We offer the same for 3 sets of standard gauge wheels for $100.00, mix or match.

On Lionel wheels, all of the surface inside the nickel rim is painted w/ the exception of the center hub, both "O" & "STD". On AF wheels, you would paint the center hubs also. Harry

1/9/184:03 PM

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RonHOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

All questions are good, I always ask and still learning from the pro's.
All I learned is to have fun and If you make a mistake, take the paint off and try again.

I did a repaint on a 253 about a year or so ago and I brushed painted the wheels instead of masking. Masking would work on the solid wheels. Spoke wheels would require masking the gear behind the spokes and that would take a bit of patience.
Masked the spoke wheels on a #8 standard gauge loco. It took time but at least the wheels are larger and easier to work with.

Picture of my repainted 253, before and after.

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