Re: Refreshing a Dull 2025

PC9850OGR Forum Member

Over the past few days I decided to take back up some postwar restoration projects in my free time. I also plan on finishing that 681 restoration I never quite finished because of the stamp and decal issues.

First up, I've decided to use Harry Henning's method of restoration on my Lionel 2025.

quote:
Originally posted by Harry Henning:
8) I have been 'touching up' the satin black Lionel locos with our "Collector Color" line of paints for over 40 years. The # 675 color blends in perfectly. Just make sure the area to be painted is absolutely clean. We use "NAPTHA" as our thinner. Once the paint is dry for a few days, we then go over the whole loco w/ 'ARMOR ALL'. Spray the boiler lightly,and w/ a 2" paint brush, brush on evenly. Make sure to brush in around the ladders, steps, valve gear etc. The next thing is to let the boiler 'dry' for about 24 hours. Now take a 'cotton' or similar soft material and polish by hand the boiler. You will not be able to tell where you touched up or repainted. It will look like it was just unwrapped from the Lionel factory. You can buy the "Collector Color" line of paint direct at: www.henningstrains.com, or also thru 'The Train Tender'. We are and will be producing many of the post war era colors this year. Thank you. Harry

It's the perfect spa treatment she needs. The years show in the dulled paint:

But before any of that, a quick restoration of the smokestack. I never liked how cruddy it looked:

File away all that crudiness and lumpiness with the wire wheel attachment on a Dremel:

Then mask it off for a quick spray paint. I used two rags as extra protection for the engine, then hit it with the famous Krylon 1613 Semi-Flat:

And wa-la, it's nice and fresh now:

Now for the touch-ups. Use a very fine brush and lightly dab Harry's paint into the blemishes. The pictures don't show them, but there were a lot on this loco. I spent about an hour meticulously looking for any nick or blemish to fill in. Be very careful not to accidentally rest your hand on the loco at any point:

Instructions say to let it dry for a day or so before applying the Armor All, so I'll be back then

2/8/125:55 PM

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PC9850OGR Forum Member

(A quick note before continuing. I was advised to try Pledge furniture polish instead, as it leaves less of a residue.)

The next step is to completely rid the train of exterior crud. This should really be done before the touch-ups; I got my process a little out of order. Anyway, I used a can of pressurized air and a 2" paint brush. Careful with the air, the stuff comes flying off fast enough to take an eye out....

Then I went to work with the Pledge (make sure it's the plain kind. Lemon or orange could harm the paint). I spritzed the boiler as I went along, using an old cotton polishing rag on the smooth areas and various size paint brushes and Q-tips to work the Pledge into the nooks and crannies. It can get tedious, but the result is definitely worth it. Check out the before and afters. For some reason the camera just doesn't capture how much of a difference there is now. You really have to see it in person.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

Touched up, no Pledge yet.

AFTER:

I honestly can't find my touch ups in that last picture, and I also noticed the Pledge significantly brightened the 2025 number and LIONEL LINES lettering.

This turned out wonderfully, and I'd like to really thank Paul and Christopher for turning me on to the Pledge. Great stuff guys!