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Recently I acquired a beautiful MTH Premier Light Mikado at a great price with the intention to custom modify it to match the real ex-Grand Trunk #4070 used on the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad.


What I already have to start this project is a very fine paint brush to paint the wheel rims and denatured alcohol to remove the paint from where the existing roadname and number are on the engine and tender. I've also downloaded a new sound system to closely match 4070's sounds with the DCS.

Now, I still need some things that I plan on purchasing at the Spring York meet to make these vision reality:

  • Black paint to repaint over the alcohol soaked parts
  • White paint or a white paint marker to paint the wheels and handrails
  • Decals to match the CSRR/CVL roadname and number
  • A number board part to match the one on 4070's boiler front

Any other or better tips by people who have customized a steam engine are also welcome. What paint would you recommend? What's best method to get accurate decals? What's the best way to run away and repaint specific parts of the engine and tender?

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Last edited by Mikado 4501
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I decided that the acrylic paint I have on hand is suitable enough for the additional painting.

 

Now here comes the HARD part: decals.

 

I did find a font called Chapaza which very closely matches the lettering on the engine's cab and back panel of the tender. I do have PhotoShop, but I don't have an InkJet/Laser printer. I still need help getting the logo for the tender, and also need help with the lettering on the number boards and the KEEP OFF details.

 

I know there's a LOT of decal companies out there, and many on the forum. I do need help getting both that specific font and tender logo as decals that I can purchase and use. If anyone can help me for the most difficult part of the project, that is very much appreciated.

Last edited by Mikado 4501

I relented and bought the glossy Testor black. I guess I'll see if it work to match close enough.

 

Also to show how much work has progressed so far, I added all the white paint I needed to the engine and tender. Don't worry, I'll be covering the handrails when I spray paint the spots I will be renumbering. Next step is the decals, and I will be contacting LBR to see if they can get the logos and correct-font numbers I need. Needless to say, the white paint makes an ENORMOUS difference.

 

 

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*sighs* Blowing the dust off both the thread and the project.

 

I tried removing the GTW logo off the tender with denatured alcohol and a Q-tip. It worked a little, but definitely not enough to remove it from the tender.

 

Anyone else have experience with a better liquid to remove logos and lettering in preparation for repainting or relettering?

If you're planning on removing all the paint and starting all over, i've used brake fluid to dissolve paint from die cast.  If you have some plastic parts, check on a hidden location with just a bit of the brake fluid to see if it will attack the plastic.   I have also use "Aircraft Stripper" to remove paint prior to repainting, but you must clean it all off before trying to paint over it.

 

Paul Fischer

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