Am putting together a UP passenger train headed by the Lionel UP PAs and 7 of the K-Line 18" passenger cars. I want to paint the car trucks silver to match the ABA locomotive but would like to use a paint that would be easily removable in the event I want to go back to the original (without painting over the silver and losing some detail due to 2 coats). Any ideas would be greatly appreciated here.
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Sam I dont think its really possible to paint them and then remove it well enough to look original. Removing the silver would most likely mess up the factory gray. Now painting then gray again....just have to match the paint.
In my two photos in the lead post above you can really see a difference in Gargraves track that is grossly oversized for the size of our trains compared to the MTH ScaleTrax below that is in much better proportion... The GG ties are HUGE!
Tamiya spray cans made for the plastic model hobby can be removed with 92% alcohol. So......if you really needed to remove it a soak in 92% will remove.....but it would be easier to just paint them whatever new color you want. Either way you have an option.
Sam, There are acrylic paints at arts and craft stores that come in squeezable bottles about 3-4 inches tall, removable cap and pop up cap which allows you to squeeze out the paint. You could get a bottle whose silver/chrome is close to what you want, then dilute it 10 parts water to one part paint. Use it as a wash until you get to the desired color. If you want to remove it, a stiff brush and soapy water ought to do the trick. John in Lansing, ILL
Depending on the time period you're going for if it is late 40s through 1954 it would be more accurate to paint the trucks on the Alco PAs gray to match the passenger cars.
https://ogrforum.com/t...26#52675072048358126
Since I model mainly 1948-1954 I'll probably have to paint my brand new 3rd Rail PA/PB sets gray since Scott indicated they likely will be delivered with silver trucks (mid-50s on)
Sam those cars are sweet, and I bet the lights (LEDs) dont flicker either 
Rattler I like your suggestion about applying a wash and may give that a try. Thanks.
WITZ-41 I have to admit the gray trucks look pretty good on the earlier PAs and I just may go back to them at some point in the future. The only other silver trucked diesels I have now are Santa Fe's and the silver really stands out among the rest of them...
I like Dave's suggestion. Tamiya silver will cover in one thin coat. Thats what I used on my K-Line E-8s. If you want to go back to gray find a gray Tamiya that is close. They have many shades. With two coats of color you won't lose any detail.
In my experience its much easier to strip solvent paint then acrylic or other water based paint.
Pete
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