Steel wool or sandpaper? UPDATE w Pics !

I would use wet/dry sandpaper. Start with a fine grit (200) and go up from there.

a dremel with a flap wheel or wire wheel...

Glass bead with a sand blaster for the best results.

Yes, bead blast the rust. Then prime paint followed by a filler. Sand that smooth and prime again.  With time, you can get it to look like new.

I would never uses steel wool prior to a paint job. Never.

Evapo-rust. The rust needs to be removed first.

I agree with the last post, half a day in the Evapo-Rust first, then remove all the paint and do your best to smooth out any pits before painting.

@David Johnston posted:

Yes, bead blast the rust. Then prime paint followed by a filler. Sand that smooth and prime again.  With time, you can get it to look like new.

@NYC 428 and @David Johnston, where would you recommend to look for a person/business that would be willing to take on a small job like bead blasting an engine shell? I really don't have the room, dollars or desire to set up my own, so I have been looking locally (Chattanooga), but so far unsuccessfully for someone willing to take on small jobs like this. Your thoughts?

George

You might look at shops that do automobile restorations. They often glass bead parts for restoration.

The only reason to bead blast a toy train is because you have the equipment to do so.  Spend $20.00 on some evapo-rust, $10.00 on some paint stripper, and you're ready for paint.

I'm thinking- evapo rust. sanding, priming, filling if needed.  Then top coat when i can find a shade thats close.  I'll keep you updated.  Thanks to all! 

@Train Nut posted:

I'm thinking- evapo rust. sanding, priming, filling if needed.  Then top coat when i can find a shade thats close.  I'll keep you updated.  Thanks to all!

You could look for small machine shop in your area.  Theses' shops use glass beading to clean off automotive parts.  Bring the piece with you instead of asking them on the phone if they'll do it.  Its a very small job and once they see the item and realize it will take about 10 minutes to complete, there more likely to take care of it and charge you $20.00.  No mess to clean up and a prefect finish to start your project.

Also Harbor freight carries cheep sand /glass beading equipment and supplies.  (only good if you have access to compressed air)

@GeoPeg posted:

@NYC 428 and @David Johnston, where would you recommend to look for a person/business that would be willing to take on a small job like bead blasting an engine shell? I really don't have the room, dollars or desire to set up my own, so I have been looking locally (Chattanooga), but so far unsuccessfully for someone willing to take on small jobs like this. Your thoughts?

George

You could look for small machine shop in your area.  Theses' shops use glass beading to clean off automotive parts.  Bring the piece with you instead of asking them on the phone if they'll do it.  Its a very small job and once they see the item and realize it will take about 10 minutes complete to, there more likely to take care of it and charge you $20.00.  No mess to clean up and a prefect finish to start your project.

Also Harbor freight carries cheep sand /glass beading equipment and supplies.  (only good if you have access to compressed air)

Thanks guys, I will do some more looking later this week. I have generally been inclined to steer clear of the paint stripper route because of the mess and fumes. I have been using alcohol in a semi-enclosed container in the garage, but I find that to be a highly variable process - sometimes works good, other times, nodda!

George

Figured I'd give you guys an update of the finished product. I think it came out pretty good for my first time with a rattle can.

I added a second headlight and put the whistle the only place it would fit, which is not at all prototypical.  The paint isn't an original match, but there's only so many choices in off the shelf spray cans.

In the future I've got a refinish the three Passenger cars that go with it. The only place I can paint is outside and it's a little too cool for that right now. Afraid to paint won't go on smooth.

The motor is serviced and put back in but I didn't have a picture with it installed.

Thanks for all the advice.

Before...

During...

After...

That looks great!!!

Wow    Great job !

Awesome job. It looks great.

Yes looks good. One thing I would like to add about stripping paint that I found on this site that I found best for tinplate. Try using powered laundry detergent and boiling water. Leave it in for about ten minutes. Have stripped quite a few this way can't believe how easy paint came off. No fumes just rinse real good after.

@Train Nut looks great, what rattle can brand and color did you decide on? Also it looks like you eliminated the hand reverse. Did you wire for one direction run only or relocated it elsewhere? Once again, nice job.

We built a home made sand blaster at work when we needed to frost a lens in a pair of glasses. We found this on the inter-webs:

DIY $5.00 Sandblaster

Jerry

@Rich Wiemann posted:

@Train Nut looks great, what rattle can brand and color did you decide on? Also it looks like you eliminated the hand reverse. Did you wire for one direction run only or relocated it elsewhere? Once again, nice job.

Thanks Rich!

I used Rust-Oleum Oregano color.

The finished picture is only the shell sitting on the frame. Since that picture was taken I installed the motor and couplers etc.

The reversing lever is operational and in its original position.

Train Nut: that's cute as a button! The Rust-Oleum Oregano may not be spot on the original, but is sure looks good.  Bravo!  Perhaps you might post a video when it's running.

Well this project was put on hold last fall until the weather got warmer because I have to paint outside.

I don't have pictures of the cars beforehand but they were pretty much the same condition as the engine.

Job done entirely with spray cans. I'm very happy with the result. I would however definitely invest in a airbrush if I were to do this on a regular basis. Using spray cans is kind of like trying to mist a houseplant with a fire hose!  😁