Hello,
I have ordered two H16-44 B&O Locos. They will both be numbered 928. I would like to double-head these from time to time. So.... From previous threads, I have read that Bachmann paints or stamps their numbers instead of using decals. I have also read that these numbers can be removed using an ordinary pencil-type eraser. Can it really be that simple?
Before I make a mess of a perfectly good engine, I need to read it from someone who has actually performed this procedure... or a better way if there is one. I believe I can get a dry transfer sheet from my LHS. Thinking about changing one engine to #927 since there actually was a B&O 927 once upon a time.
Many thanks for your time and advice.
S,
Jonathan
jonathan,
I haven't done this in a long time, given that most manufacturers produce most engines with multiple road numbers....however, I have done it. I have always used a Q-tip moistened (not soaked) with rubbing alcohol. If you use an eraser, make sure it is a soft one, like a pink pearl and rub gently. I would use dry xfers for the new number. If you use a decal, you'll need to get some setting solution (like Solvaset) and flat finish (like Dulcote) to kill the decal sheen after it dries. You might want to consider removing all three digits...it's easier if you don't have to match the existing numbers exactly. Hope this helps.
Rusty
PS The B&O renumbered all its locomotives in 1956 and your engines were numbered in the low 6700's in the new scheme--I think. B&O's numbering and classification system always seemed pretty arcane to me.
Rustyrails' Q-tip method has always worked well for me. Just remember to rub gently and take your time, or you'll take paint off along with the number.
Thanks, guys, I'll give it a shot. Will let you know how it turns out.
S,
Jonathan
If the alcohol doesn't work, there is a product called "Goof-Off" that works in most cases. It can usually be found at most hardware and home improvement stores in the paint section. Again, use a moist Q-tip and rub gently. You don't want the base color paint coming off too.
Quote from: ebtnut on May 06, 2009, 05:02:03 PM
If the alcohol doesn't work, there is a product called "Goof-Off" that works in most cases. It can usually be found at most hardware and home improvement stores in the paint section. Again, use a moist Q-tip and rub gently. You don't want the base color paint coming off too.
mmm Goof Off, a lovely concoction of chemicals ending in -ene... it does what it advertises though. I suspect if you use this you want to be careful that you not remove the base paint and also not melt the plastic shell....
If you chose to use a wet decal as opposed to dry transfers, a good thing to remember they adhere better to a gloss finish than a matte finish. So it helps to apply a small patch of clear gloss where the number are going to go, then after they are set, a coat of flat or matte can be applied to seal them in and kill the shiny spot.
I changed the number on my Spectrum 2-8-0 UP from 618 to 613 by carefully removing a small portion of the 8 with a tiny flat blade screwdriver.
You could do the same by painting over the portions with engine black if #923 is appropriate for your locomotive.
Back in the good old days before freight cars were offered with various numbers, it was common to get a very, very fine paintbrush and a little white paint. You could make a 9 or O an wight. It was easy to alter the numbers. a little well placed weathering would hide any imperfection.
I have 8 coal hoppers, all with the same road number. Know what? I don't care. :D
Of course I have different road numbers on my locos, that way I won't have any derails. Just kidding.
We see hundreds of coal cars here in the valley. Most of the numbers aren't legible.
Just picked up a copy of the latest Bachmann catalog. They have renumbered the FM H16-44 B&O to 927! I think Mr. B was tuning in.
My wallet hurts.
R,
J
I have used the pencil eraser trick several times with Bachmann steam. In fact, I bought one of the all eraser pencils for the job. Remember that it works just like Ogden Nash's catchup bottle.."...first a little/And then a lottle."
Gene
Jonathan
Did you do it yet? Would love to see pictures. I have the bushman Spectrum Heavyweight passenger cars and I have two of the 810. I want to change one of them. Though I do not think the HO passengers will car that much!
Robert
Haven't done it, yet. I'm in the middle of engine maintenance and coupler conversion. Renumbering is next. At some point I have to get back to scenery. I'm burnt out from planting over 313 trees so far. When I renumber it I will attach a couple of photos... even if I botch it royally.
Regards,
Jonathan
(//) OK. I've managed to get the '8' off the 928. I'm desperately trying to insert an image or two. "Insert image" isn't working for me. Anyway, the eraser wasn't working, neither was alcohol, but for some reason, my wife's finger nail polish remover was spot on. I dipped a toothpick in the evil solution, removed most, and gently rubbed the number. Think drybrushing with a toothpick. Took about 10 minutes per number. There's still a little residue, which I can only see with a camera. Isn't that weird. When I figure out how to upload a photo. I'll do it if interested. Thanks.
R
Jonathan
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSCN0360.jpg%5BIMG%5D%20%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSCN0354.jpg) (http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSCN0355.jpg) (http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSCN0358.jpg)
Ladies and gents,
I am now learning more than I hoped: photography, uploading, posting, and paint removal. If I did it wrong I apologize. As you can see I'm nearly done removing the number "8" on both sides I have uploaded five images that were clear enough to see my progress. On the extreme close up, check out the piece of ground foam inside the truck. With a little dullcote and a touch of weathering, should be hard to tell I did it myself. But then, I'm an optimist.
Will understand if you ignore this post. I'll get better. Thanks,
Jonathan
Sorry, two didn't go through. Trying again...
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/DSCN0360.jpg)
Jonathan,
You don't need to click the "Insert Image" button at the top. When you "Mouseover" an image in your album, several selections will appear below the image, click on the bottom text that says "Img Code". . When it "highlights", copy and paste that code into your post. The code has all the tags needed to show your picture. You might double space multiple pictures to separate them.
Also, the pictures you posted are huge, 1024 X 768 with large file sizes. You should reduce the sizes to 500 pixels wide before uploading them to Photobucket. The forum will shrink the images to 500 wide anyway, but the file sizes will still be large, and members who have dial up won't be able to load the pictures. Just a suggestion, as a matter of courtesy to all.
Remember, if you hit the "post" button and things don't look right, you can edit your post to make corrections. The "modify" button is at the upper right of your post.
Regards.
Thanks, Yampa Bob. I'll remember to do that in the future. I'm good at the trial and error method.
Sorry if I blew up your PC's, forum members!
Hat in hand, Jonathan
If you don't already have an image management program, there is a free one that is extremely easy to use.
http://www.irfanview.com
If you download the program, you need to read my short tutorial before installing it. I will be glad to send the tutorial if you want it. Sizing and compressing an image takes about 15 seconds.
OK, I'll work on my new hobby, digital photography. I'll experiment and try another upload in the next couple of days, to see if I get the size right.
If you were able to see my last photos, I think it's pretty cool how close you can get with a basic digital camera, and still get a sharp image. The camera is a Nikon Cool Pix. Spend all my spare change on trains so I can't afford one of those new-fangled digital SLRs. Depth of field is an issue, however. Can't get the neat shots like in the mags.
R,
Jonathan
Jonathan
The layout is awesome! Great work. As for me I like the larger picture files. Even if I still had Dial up it is worth the wait. You can see the detail in the larger files. Anyway glad to see the progress on the numbers.
Robert
Robert,
The images you see on the album page are "thumbnails". If you click on a picture, a much larger one will appear, usually a 640 size. An 8" X 10" image is 576 pixels X 720 pixels.
When posting to the forum, the smaller uploaded size will appear, with a reduced file size. Actually, I set all my images for posting to 500 pixels wide, but I optimize the sharpness and detail first.
As a former Webmaster, I can say that for maximum "hits" and return visits, images have to be user friendly, even for those with broadband. Be thankful you're not on dialup, with all the net clutter, you would be waiting 5 to 10 minutes for a picture to load.
maybe he needs to adjust his camera's CV's ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Robert668,
Thanks, glad you like it. I've set up a second album with the full size photos for those with big broadband. Don't click on it unless your set up for high speed and lots of RAM. Unfortunately, you can also see more detail, like cobwebs on the locos that don't get run much, rails that aren't rusted quite to the top, etc.
Also, notice there aren't any people, lights, block signals, etc. Plenty of bare benchwork that I didn't photograph. Lots of work ahead of me... albeit fun work.
As for CVs, I can barely figure out which end of the camera you point with, let alone adjust CVs ;D Thanks again Yampa Bob for helping me get broken in another piece of the MR puzzle. If I ever get around to DCC... I know where to go to learn a new language!
Regards,
Jonathan