Removing front decals from a 2350 NH EP5

You could try softening the glue with a hair dryer.

After a little softening you can simply apply scotch tape to the decal and it should lift off easily. I doubt that that would damage the paint

Alan

 Several ways, all trial and error and luck.   Tape, an aggressively sticky tape. Bone it down well ,over the decal, with something like a popsicle stick and let it stay on for a few days then peal back the tape at 90 degrees to the surface for maximum lifting.  The risque is pulling the paint off with the decal.

Soak the decal with decal setting solution.  This is a weak solution of denatured alcohol I use Walthers Solvaset.  This stuff can dull paint if left on too long and if left on long enough I hear it can dissolve some paints though I have never had that problem.  If you can keep it from running on to the paint Denatured alcohol will remove decals but it will remove paint also. You may carefully apply it to the decal with a tiny 0000 brush

I have managed to remove some with an Xacto chisel blade or a razor blade.  They must be new and very sharp.

Soaking the body shell in warm soapy water till the decal comes off.    No guarantee any of them will work it takes some luck and a lot of patience.  BTW;  A decal with an adhesive back is a STICKER they are easy to remove with a hairdryer and tweezers. Heat them a bit then peck up an edge with an xacto knife then peal back with tweezers SLOWLY while heating with the hairdryer.  DON'T TRY AND PULL THEM OFF WITHOUT HEATING.  You are likely to peal the paint off.  I would not try any of these methods for a friend or anyone but myself for that matter. Nor would I ask a friend to do so for me.          Good Luck          j

Thanks guys,I will try soaking in warm soapy water first. That seems like the least risky thing to do. 

I don't believe the most common variation of the original had water slide decals. They were plastic stick-ons much like the replacements will be. Water won't do anything to them.

When peeled off, they will leave a residue that will be tough to remove without damaging the paint. The heat idea in moderation might be a good bet but I wouldn't guarantee any results!

By the way, if the nose decoration is painted, not a separately applied plastic overlay, don't do anything. It's a hard-to-find variation. 

Jim

I was able to remove all the old decals by soaking shell in warm water and dish washing liquid. The remaining glue residue I was able to remove with dish washing liquid and a soft toothbrush. No damage to any paint or detailing on the shell. Waiting to pick up the new decals now. 

Any suggestions on how to apply the new adhesive backed "decals" These seem to have pressure sensitive adhesive. (Photo from Trainz)

The old sticky adhesive did not come off with detergent but full strength Naptha on a paper towel easily removed the residue.

The new peel and stick decals are easy to apply. I did clean the nose of the EP-5 with dishwashing detergent. I trimmed the decal and applied starting from the bottom center and moving laterally in both directions. There were no bubbles and the decal can be adjusted until firmly pressed on. The fit of the Trainz decal is great. I cut out the opening for the headlight lens after the decal was applied.