Removing paint has been discussed/debated a lot over the years. I followed a method that Bob Delbridge described a while back and though I would add some pictures and details. This was the thread with Bob's approach:
https://ogrforum.com/...38#40989964790552638
Bob's method was:
"I used to use brake fluid, but found 91% alcohol works fine. I made a "bathtub" using a piece of PVC pipe with a PVC cap cemented in one end and long enough so the entire model shell can fit down inside. It might take 3-4 bottles of alcohol to fill the tub. Just put the model in and leave it alone for 1-2 hours, then use an old toothbrush to start removing paint. Once the old paint surface is broken it seems to start working faster. Put it back in the tub for another 1-2 hours and repeat until all the paint is gone."
Thanks Bob!
I had used brake fluid once before, on a Lionel PW tender shell, but when I wanted to take the paint off of an Alco FA shell, I hunted around the Forum and found Bob's approach, what interested me was the PVC pipe. Both Lowes and Home Depot sells 2 foot long sections of 4 inch diameter pipe. It was about $12. They had an end cap (called a "test cap" for non-pressure purposes, it was about $2 (they had a more substantial version for about $8, but I though that was overkill). I glued the test cap using sealant, and glued a lid from a cottage cheese tub for extra protection. Those lids also work on the top of the PVC pipe.
I used the 91% isopropyl alcohol and kept the shell in the tub for a few days. I am really happy with the results!
This is the tower.
The lid keeps the smell minimal.
This was an AA set Missouri Pacific. The shell that I removed the paint had a bad stain and was ugly. The body was molded in blue.
I am going to paint the shell green, and put Northern Pacific decals on it. The other MP shell I am going to clean up.
