Reattaching trim after a repaint of lionel # 38 STD engine

It was not necessary to unsolder and remove the handrails.  They are soldered on before painting; then spray paint the entire cab shell; then handpaint the trim with a small artist's brush using a "gold" paint to simulate brass railings. Usually just brushing across the tops of the railings is sufficient to highlight them. That is how they were done originally. You are right, soldering after painting would ruin the paint job. Also, epoxy after painting is unsatisfactory because you are only epoxying to the paint, and the trim will snap off at some point taking the paint with it.

david

Thanks! this is exactly the info i needed; the way they did it originally.

I removed the railings because some were loose and all were corroded and needed cleaning and polishing. I'll solder them back on and then paint as you suggest.

Marty

The little "TESTORS" paint jar of gold is an exact match for the original Lionel gold on the grabs. Before using, pour off 1/2 of the jar's thinner. Recap the bottle, shake well, and you are ready to use. The paint will be 'thicker', as Lionel used.  Harry

Hi George,

I recently repainted my Lionel 33 engine and I unsoldered all the trim parts like you.  When I reassembled I used new brass rod from the hardware store to replace all the railings.  After painting, made sure to sandpaper the areas on the inside around the holes before using epoxy to glue them in.  It worked out great.  Also, check the solder joints that hold the shell together and if there are any breaks or weak spots, you can resolder them before you paint.

David from Dearborn posted:

Hi George,

I recently repainted my Lionel 33 engine and I unsoldered all the trim parts like you.  When I reassembled I used new brass rod from the hardware store to replace all the railings.  After painting, made sure to sandpaper the areas on the inside around the holes before using epoxy to glue them in.  It worked out great.  Also, check the solder joints that hold the shell together and if there are any breaks or weak spots, you can resolder them before you paint.

I would also add that before repainting, I  did reinstall and solder the small handrail fittings that hold the handrails in place.  The ends of the handrails are then epoxied into the holes on each end, and where the handrail seats against the small handrail fittings, I used a little superglue to hold the handrail in place (although that might not really be necessary).

Thanks for the helpful responses.

Marty