Hi all,

Having just wrecked my old Dapol DVT by attempting to remove the "Swallow" logos using a cotton bud, a very light hand and a minuscule drop of mild, acetone-free nail varnish remover, I'd like to know your methods for removing branding / lettering / numbers without damaging the paint job underneath. The various threads seem to suggest using everything from what I've used, to powerful oven cleaner and even brake fluid (!)

The first side's logo came off ok, although it did leave a bit of a smudge where the varnish remover has thinned the grey paint slightly. On the second side I must have used a fraction more remover as it's gone right through the paint and left a lovely mark...

Anyway here's the result of my efforts... If I can figure out how to remove the glazing and lighting bits without damaging them then it'll probably end up getting a full repaint once I've got myself an airbrush. At least that way I'll shut up about Dapol not having produced a Swallow-liveried DVT.

JB

Hello JB,

I've got a 2mm fibreglass pen made by gaugemaster. By gently brushing the fibreglass stick from side to side you can gradually remove numbers and decals etc. It does seem very effective.

One thing I have noticed is that it does roughen the surface slightly, so I may use a tiny amount of T-cut o a cotton bud to polish the surface up a bit after removing the numbers, so that the transfer adhere better when applied afterwards as they need a really smooth surface.

Cheers,
Paul

I'm looking forward to everyone else's options here as I've a rebranding exercise of my own to do, one day, maybe even this year!
My plan A is to obviously patch brand it, but I'm interested in methods of invisible mending, so to speak.

Donald

Thanks Paul,

I'll put one of those on my list for my next UK bulk order! I suppose you have to be pretty careful when brushing so as not to completely scratch the paint then?

I think for this particularly case I'll buy a few transfers and mask it up to respray the roof and black band to match the Swallow coaches, but it'll come in handy for my next attempts to disfigure modify stock.

Cheers,

JB (still keen to hear any other suggestions people may have!)

There is a article in Model Rail this month about changing numbers,I only glanced at it but I am sure the recommendation is to use "T" cut on a cotton bud.

I use the T-cut / cotton bud method, and find it works fine.

Another who uses the T-Cut/Cotton Bud method, works fine on Farish stock, not had to try on Dapol...

Thanks chaps, sounds like there's quite a consensus on the T-cut method. Returning briefly to the case of my poor DVT - I suppose I could cover the damage up with appropriate Fox blanking patches - it would certainly be much less work than attempting a repaint. Has anyone used these and if so, what sort of results did you get?

Cheers,

JB

Hi JB,

I tend to use a Faber Castell Eraser Pencil, you'll find them on eBay cheaply enough.

You just rub it back and forth over the number and it gently removes them. It also removes the satin coating as well leaving you a nice glossy paint surface to put your decals onto. Then a small amount of satin / matt varnish over the top to blend everything back in.

Pic here of a new Farish 37 recently re-numbered, had to remove the printed nameplates on this loco too as it started life as 37409 'Lord Hinton'.



Cheers, Mark.

Thanks Mark, neat job there 

JB

JB

I haven't found one product ideal for all stock yet as they use different plastics and paints - particularly noticeable on various productions of Farish models.  Always best to test a small amount on a hidden area if possible (or a spare).

I use a combination of brasso, T-cut, nail polish remover, a fibreglass pencil. 

Cheers, Mike

Farish numbers and branding comes off very easily indeed, usually a cotton bud for larger work or a frayed end of a toothpick for finer stuff using either car polish or an 'aggressive' cleaner like dettol or Mr Muscle. Dapol models I have yet to find something that doesn't damage the paint. I also find that smoothing the rough paint they use so that decals hold properly and varnishing afterwards can result in a change of hue to other models...this on top of the already random factory finish on what should be the same livery!

Farish & Dapol decals have different chemical make-up it seems. To date the methods I've used for Farish is Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner - sprayed over the body for a complete strip-down or sprayed onto a kitchen towel then brushed on for small areas such as nameplates.

For Dapol I have found Micro-Sol a good solution for removing the decals - a method I used on a Britannia tender crest when I changed from late to early crest.

I think the earlier comments re variability from one model to the next are very valid.
Therefore, as has been said, prepare to try various methods starting with the least invasive ie the versatile humble wooden cocktail stick (maybe cut to chisel blade shape).

One product I've added to my armoury for these tasks is Alclad 2 Micromesh.  The pack contains some incredibly fine grade cloth - if you wash them out after use it will extend their useful life quite a lot.  Given the price, that's maybe not a bad thing!

If memory serves, it was in an email exchange with George Dent that I learned of this product