repaint or replace, opinions needed

I would try my hand at restoring/painting etc. Even if you mess it up, the other options are still available.

If you do it well, then that's something to be proud of.

Can you post pics so that we can do a proper evaluation?

Neil, I will guess that, since you are looking for someone to paint it, you feel your skills aren’t good enough but, as GVDOBLER points out, what do have to loose?  This is an opportunity to add details that may not have been on it originally.  On the other hand, if you have never done this before, starting with a Santa Fe warbonnet scheme will be discouraging.

Before doing anything else I would see if replacement shells are available and at what cost.  With that information you at least have a starting point.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

What is the product number? Your mention of low volume sounds like a bad speaker and/or battery. You need to check the speaker before going any farther to avoid wiping out the board.

Yes I painted warbonnets and it  was not too bad but I have over 40 years experience .I first prime red the shell and gave it 2 coats of guards red.Then I made a template for the warbonnet and transferred it to blue 3 m masking tape.Applied it to the shell and burnished it down.Airbrushed 3 light coats of Tamiya chrome sillver and carefully removed the mask.Used a fine liner brush for touch up and applied the Microscale warbonnet decals which includes the yellow striping and black outline.Touched up here and there with Tamiya flat yellow and guards red,Follwed by 2 voats of Future clear coat.Came out really nice!

pic

B unit too

That is nice work, Phil.  If you are doing this for others, you could be a resource for Neil.

yeah I can do it if you can't find anyone else.I have more Santa Fe decals on hand do let me know.

GVDobler posted:

I would try my hand at restoring/painting etc. Even if you mess it up, the other options are still available.

If you do it well, then that's something to be proud of.

Very good idea, a lot less cost, good learning experience , and pride of ownership. 

Yep take your time and ask for advice if you need it.Nice to acquire new skills.Not necessary to send it to someone else.

If you are looking for someone to re-paint that offers that service commerically then try Harry Hieke of  "everything o-scale" Harry is also a Forum sponsor

Steve

Thanks to all. I'm going to go the repaint route first. Time to learn a new skill.

Great Neil.  Let us know how it comes out.