Today I wet sanded the rust spots and did some body work on an old #313 Bascule Bridge I'm restoring.I bought it off the bay for $42.00,and when it arrived I was so disappointed,I was going to send it back.But I tinkered around with the motor,and got it to run,so I decided to keep it.After I wet sanded the rust off and old paint,I took it outside and shot it all with sandable auto primer.It is starting to look like I got a deal now!Only thing is,I am thinking it would look so much more realalistic painted flat black,and weathered to look like it has a little rust,instead of using silver like Lionel originally had them.I've never seen a real Bascule bridge in silver,your thoughts about the new color?
Kenny,
I have some of the same thoughts about a 282 crane that I picked up. It has rust and dirt. I am thinking that it will never be a collectable; so why get rid of the authentic rust only to add it back after its painted? I am leaning towards cleaning it without ruining the aged patina.
