I have done quite a bit os painting and had the best luck using ScaleCoat II. It is safe for plastic. Usually I will strip a model using 91% alcohol (Walgreens). Some locos may take some time, 1 or 2 days. I also have used ScaleCoat stripper that works well, too. I have used brake fluid but not so much now. You have to use new fluid and try a spot on the loco to make sure it won't craze the plastic and wash, wash, wash it. I prime with Tamyia primer as well as Rust-oleum 2 that is made for plastic. Both are gray. Let it dry several hours, Overnight is better.
I use either a Badger or an Iwata airbrush, the latter for fine work. I have a small Senco compressor that works really well. Light coats are always better than a heavy coat that may run on vertical surfaces. Work light to dark colors and if you need to mask wait a day.
The main reason I have used ScaleCoat is because it dries to a good gloss. I didn't use Floquil because it was flat so I had to spray gloss so application of decals could be done, then spray the decals with flat. Too many steps.
I know there are a lot of new types of paint in the market place. I like ScaleCoat II and it is still available.
Dick
