I did not remember I stated this topic on 3-12-2012 !
Coolhand: Welcome to OGR forum and thanks for resurrecting this old but good topic. It has gotten lots of interest since you posted.
Here is my most fun repaint jobs as it really took a lousy looking General 4-4-0 and made it presentable.
I started with cheap Lionel General 4-4-0, 8005 dc powered set with coal tender and Lionel 9541 Santa Fe Railway Agency Express Passenger car. I added a full wave rectifier and changed the Lionel 8005 to ac operation although in one direction. A selector switch was added for manual reversal. The engine was dressed up with gold stripping, a lighted head light and painting all red engine black for the boiler and stack.
A fuzzy picture of Lionel 8005 before painting and dressing up! 
The Lionel 8005 was painted, along with the red and silver front wheels and painted domes. The body and stack were painted Black. Gold stripping was added to dress up. Much more beautiful ! 
Now that I have two Lionel General 4-4-0 locos, I can simulate The Great Locomotive Chase of the Civil War between the General and the Texas. The Disney movie “The Great Locomotive Chase” is a good train movie to watch and the kids will enjoy it too.
Charlie
