Best way to remove decals on RS-1?

Andy:
Unfortunately what you see is very well done ink stamping on these beautiful models. Where decals could be soften and then removed with little effect on the paint, these modern paint jobs are done accurately and very quickly with production machinery. It is fascinating to watch, I did so at Weaver models. Multicolor is done with several different stamps. It is paint on paint.

You don't get a lot of comments about paint and finish here on the forum, IMO most of it is flawless and well done beyond expectation. Just a matter of how technology has progressed.

Probably the path of least resistance for ink stamping removal is a repaint.

your best bet here is to take a piece of 600 grit wet-sand paper and fold it making a point- take the sandpaper, by the point and carefully go over the area you wish to remove- this should take it right off. Go lightly...

I agree Mike, it is impressive. It would be interesting to see in person. John, I'd like to take a crack at it first and proceed carefully. Jeff, thanks for the information, I'll give it a try.

Andy

I've had decent luck with this stuff:

Testors ELO

You have to be careful with the stuff and I would test it in an inconspicuous place (aka inside the mode) to make sure it doesn't attack the main paint.

Thanks Chuck. I'll try it out.

Andy

After removing the lettering the surface might be scratched and/or dull. To return it to the original smooth finish, try 3M Polishing Paper. Most good hobby shops stock it packaged in large sheets (8x11) under the ZONA brand. If you're a good shopper, you should be able to locate a package of the large sheets for what most places charge for the small sheets.
Read and follow the directions for the best results.



Complete set of 6 long lasting 3M polishing papers. Set includes 1 sheet each of grits 400, 600, 1200, 4000, 6000, & 8000. Washable and re-usable wet/dry papers. Each sheet is 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches. These polishing papers feel like paper towels, but they have a micron-graded abrasive bonded to the surface. They can be folded up and used like traditional sandpaper or wrapped around paint sticks or dowels to create the shape you need. They can also be washed when they become charged with sanding debris.

Matt

Thanks Matt;
That looks like something I could use.
Mike

Thanks Matt, I'll definitely pick some up. And I'll do some practice runs on a few freight cars first
Andy