Relettering 3rd Rail RDC

Not with 3RD Rail product but I've had success with Testor's Easy Lift Off and the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on other mfrs.

I’ve used Testors Easy Lift Off with good success.

Neal Jeter

Whatever you use try it on a inside surface first to make sure that bronze tint is not affected.

Pete

@Scotie posted:

I've got a 3rd Rail RDC where I would like to change the road name. Anyone have any experience in removing the existing lettering with minimal damage?

Brass or plastic version? I've tried both.

Ken

@Scotie posted:

I've got a 3rd Rail RDC where I would like to change the road name. Anyone have any experience in removing the existing lettering with minimal damage?

If the name will be against a white background leave the car as is, get some decal paper (white) and print the name you are looking for this way the value is untouched

Its the plastic version. The current lettering is black on the silver letter board, want to replace it with black also.

The RDC I got had some incorrect detailing on it. There were safety stripes on both ends where they should have been only on the A end and the road number font used was wrong. The stripes wouldn't come off with a Magic Eraser on anything else I tried so I went to the nuclear option - lacquer thinner. Careful use of the lacquer thinner did get the stripes off and didn't take off the underlying silver finish. However it dulled the finish so I over sprayed the end with Tamiya gloss which ended up looking very good. The number board numbers came off easily with the thinner. Added new decals and brushed the Tamiya gloss over the decals.

Changing the roadname on the letterboard would be a little more challenging. If you get the old roadname off, I would mask the letterboard and spray just the letterboard with Tamiya gloss before decaling. After the deals are dry and you're satisfied there's no silvering under the film seal the decals with more Tamiya gloss spray.

Ken

Thanks for all the information. I've ordered some ELO and will try that first. Then the nuclear option--

Great insights as I’m interested in this process as well. Ken, can you post any photos please?

If you have to go to lacquer thinner, I would suggest a Q tip just damp. It will likely remove the base paint as well so be prepared for that outcome.

Pete

@Norton posted:

If you have to go to lacquer thinner, I would suggest a Q tip just damp. It will likely remove the base paint as well so be prepared for that outcome.

Pete

Absolutely! If you use lacquer thinner go sparingly and gently. Don't damage the silver paint!

Ken

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Great insights as I’m interested in this process as well. Ken, can you post any photos please?

Here are the results but it doesn't show the process.

A end with stripes:

B end with stripes removed and oversprayed with gloss:

Car number board with new decals (original numbers were done in railroad roman font):

Ken

Thank you Ken and that’s an impressive, as well as a professional looking result.

Great info !!!

Thanks to all posters !!!

CB&Q Bill