Need help removing lettering from Bachmann tender

[jmlaboda - RIP]

In an ideal world a modeler should be able to buy an unlettered tender, ready for relettering to their desired road.  In an ideal world... in which we do not live.

I am looking to buy a Bachmann USRA short tender to go with my Ten-Wheeler (following an Atlantic Coast Line prototype that still survives in Spencer, N.C.) and while I can find some great prices everything is pre-lettered I will need to remove the lettering before I can apply my own.  Any suggestions?

[Kisatchie]

I've never tried to remove lettering from Bachmann stuff. However, I've had great success removing lettering from Atlas locos using Scalecoat Wash Away. A little on a Q-tip and gently rub the lettering for about 10 seconds at a time. This shouldn't result in any paint being removed, just the lettering.

I did notice something when trying to remove lettering that looks "thick" or raised slightly on a given model. The Q-tip method doesn't work on such lettering, I find.

Hope this helps.


Hmm... I wouldn't go out
and buy Wash Away just
to try it out. It's relatively
expensive...

[hminky]

Have found that Testor's Easy Lift Off (ELO) removes Bachmann lettering:

On a new 4-4-0 tender:



On30 cars:



Sometimes it requires a second applicaation:



But eventually it is all gone:



Use a Q-tip.

Harold

[Bendtracker1]

Jerry,
You have a picture of one?  I might have at least one or two?

[hminky]

ELO on a Bachmann N-scale tender:



Harold

[Cajonpassfan]

I used 91% isopropyl alcohol on a Q Tip on my Bmann C&O Vandy. Took a bit of rubbing, but worked fine.
Otto K.

[jmlaboda - RIP]

Jerry,
You have a picture of one?  I might have at least one or two?

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[mmagliaro]

The EZ Lift Off works well.  But you will probably have some marring of the surface.

An easy way to correct that is to use some Tamiya TS-6 matte black from a spray can.  You can mask off the engine and the tender bottom and top, and just hit it with a quick spray along the sides.  It should match just fine and you won't have to repaint everything.

[hminky]

An application of "Future" or whatever the product is called now as a gloss coat for decal-ling all the imperfections go away.

Just brush the Future on it is self leveling.

Harold

[JMaurer1]

I usually use 91% isopropyl alcohol or Solaset to remove lettering. Worst case I use Coleman camp stove fuel.

That Testers ELO sure looks like it has some 'strange magic'...

[hminky]

If there are no rivets or board lines 2000 grit sandpaper and water work well:



Harold

[sumfred]

Micro Sol (red label - extra strength) on a 4x folded paper napkin the size of the decal with keeping the napkin wet all the times has worked very well for me for removing Bachmann lettering. Takes about 30 minutes (or longer) of soaking but the paint is not affected. The letters can then just be removed with a fine brush.
Fred