Who can paint a Lionel Pilot loco?

Sam,

It may be a matter of semantics to some folks, but I think Lionel markets these locos as "pilots" rather than "undecorated", because the pilots are not quite "paint ready".  Specifically, I'm pretty certain they come with a clearcoat-style finish that doesn't readily accept paints.  So there's definitely some prep work in store for anyone planning to tackle a customization project like this.  Just sayin'... 

David

The clear coat is there. But I think the thickness of the clear coat, will be more of an issue than a compatible topcoat. Even water based paints have come a long way. I suspect its clear is on fairly thick, because you can still see good detail in clear. And just painting over it would dull 3d detail more with the unnecessary paint there.

Unless its a thin clear, I think your basically going to need a normal repaint.  

No Thanks, for a paint job.

You are better off repainting a non pilot version because of the clear coat applied to the pilots

I understand about the clear coat. Long time ago, I built a Bowser Challenger and before painting it, it was blasted with a sand gun to "rough it" up to accept paint better. It was painted in the Grayhound scheme and it came out great, A Japanese collector was ecstatic to purchase it from me for a great price...I think I still have the gun and some extremely fine sand somewhere in my storage...I thought the same can be done for the Mohawk. IF the Lionel pilot units had blackened drivers, I'd do it my self but the bare metal wheels, to look perfect, present a problem for me. Anyway, if you guys think the clear coat may be a problem and a sand gun will not do it, then be it...Charlie at Nassau will not be happy

I'm not sure the clear coat would be a problem. I have painted a number of clear coated brass engines with no problems. That was before urethanes were around so it all depends what Lionel used. As for prices, I hope the discount is really good because a good painter would likely charge at least 300 bucks. To do it right the whole drive assembly would have to disassembled. Some of us have bought new painted Legacy Mohawks for between 700-900 bucks.

Pete

Check out David Long of Kelly Creek Backshop (pelicanrider-at-gmail.com).

Here's done work for at least two of us particular (peculiar?) collectors.

There are some more pictures of his wonderful work here: Google Image Search - Kelly Creek Backshop

Thanks,

Mario

Oh, gosh, no. The point is...never mind. I received my Pilot Mohawk yesterday from Nassau. Not opened yet (been busy). There will be no paint, of course.

But, besides that, a NYC Mohawk is a NYC Mohawk - lettered for anything else it's

just...odd - unless you present it as "My short line bought a couple second-hand";

the TH&B did have a couple of second-hand NYC Hudsons.

Really - get a painted one and re-letter it. Easy job. TMCC versions are really nice (have one).

Not my business - except that you brought it up.

Sam,

Try Harry Hieke at harryhieke.com or click on his ad in the forum sponsors. Excellent work I am sure he can paint a pilot engine.

JohnB

Penny wise dollar foolish IMO. As Norton has mentioned you'll eat up the discount quick on a professional paint job, not to mention shipping costs to and from "said painter".

These mohawks can still be found for just under $1000 if you look. Mohawk

  IMO I shop around for a painted one... if thats really what I wanted.

It is easy enough to remove the numbers on a painted model and reletter. All of the pictures of the pilot version I have seen have no numbers on the headlight nor number plaque under the headlight. Both of them would require extra time and effort to recreate. Also where are you going to get a sound board with announcements for the new cab number? Small details to consider.

Pete

Sam, what railroad are you considering?

Here's a few singles; maybe even a ground rule double and a walk off home run, as well (H10 Mikado?; you can grab a pilot truck from a Berk).

Didn't Mohawk 3001 stand in for a T&P Mountain?

I'm jealous... nothing like a clean slate to do what you wish.

Thanks,

Mario

Big Boy 4014 just a few weeks ago everyone was telling people not to buy trains as an investment. now don't paint it as you'll ruin the value????  lets see your money your train do what you want. did lee willis ask for advice before painting a prr T1 union pacific. he's happy thats what the hobby is about.

i have painted many brass locos without stripping the clear coat, unless its super thick i would paint over it. since you painted ho locos i'd try it myself if i was you, you can always strip it if the paint isn't satisfactory. you can buy a lot of paint stripper and paint for what someone will charge to paint it. plus you get the sense of accomplishment.

Lionel Cab Forward Legacy version ------   my first repainted engine I have done . Maybe 3 to 4 hours of painting due to 2nd  and some 3rd coats .    I wanted something other than black .   Not hard to do really . I plan to also paint a Lionel  Y-3  Legacy  " Pilot " version I bought recently at 50% off list price 

I was thinking, Oh forgive me for I may have sinned again, Southern Pacific with the swoosh letters. But I think I may just pass on the Mohawk merely because it has no steam whistle effect and for the money I may be able to get another used/new Legacy steam with steam whistle.....