Wish I had the 'before' pics. This is the 390 I am cleaning up. NO paint resto. NO touch ups. Just disassembly and deep cleaning with my 4 step process. This boiler looked like it was ready for the parts bin. Paint was as dull as I've ever seen. Looked flat black and filthy. A lot of oxidation and imbedded filth. All parts (except wheels) will be originally down to the wires. Bild-A-Loco Motor runs like a champ.
P.S. Enamel paint... I love you.
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Looks great! What did you use for cleaning?
Bob Nelson
navy.seal posted:Looks great! What did you use for cleaning?
Bob Nelson
I use a variety of things depending on the job. The important part is to get as free a work area as you can, not blocked by steam lines, ladders, bells, etc. Then it can be a four or even five step process. You want to be sure that you aren't scratching the paint with any minuscule debris that these beauties acquire in the attic, or basement. It all has to be removed. I actually wash some parts first and did so to this boiler with warm water and grease cutting soap. Caveat: you have to be real careful when doing this, especially with old paint. Then you have to dry asap. After that, I have some concoctions that I have developed from my car resto days that are a combination of solvents, polishes and fine fine polishes. Then any decent wax over that. The trick is to get in the corners, and be obsessive-compulsive. Oh yeah; this boiler took about 6 man hours.
A customer just sent me a bunch of 200 series freight cars. Some of them are real challenges. Can't fix scratches, can't fix deep rust, but it's nice to see all the rest as good as new.
PS... NEVER ever use hot water.
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