[PRR-talk] Modeling question

[Steve Hoxie]

Matt--I have had less success with Modelflex on handrails than Ted has.  Modelflex ( http://www.badger-airbrush.com/modelflex.htm ) is a good model railroad paint, but not on engineering plastic.  As long as I have the correct color, I prefer Modelflex over Polyscale because it can be airbrushed right from the bottle and dries with slightly more gloss, negating the need for a gloss coat before the decals go on.

In my experience there are three ways to get around the handrail/engineering plastic problem.  First, if you have to paint an entire handrail set, grit blast it to roughen the surface, then any paint can be used.  Second, again if you have to paint an entire handrail set, automotive paint stores carry an adhesion promoter for use on interior vinyl surfaces and bumpers.  The brand I have in a spray can is "Bulldog", but there are others.  This is really nasty stuff so please don't try it at your workbench in the train room. Third, and by far the most convenient if you are just painting safety yellow, is Don Luke's suggestion.  My LHS carries Pactra Racing Finish Acryl, labeled "RC5107 R/C Acryl Basic Yellow".  This stuff works.  Pactra is a common brand so your shop should be able to get it easily.

Steve Hoxie
Pensacola FL
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: oerm2133 at aol.com 
  To: prr-talk at dsop.com 
  Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 8:08 AM
  Subject: Re: [PRR-talk] Modeling question


  One option for paint for flexible engineering plastic parts like the handrails is the paints designed for R/C cars with Lexan bodies.  A website with some information about this type of paint and some helpful hints for consideration is at 

  http://www.rctech.net/articles/painting_hauntedmyst1.shtml

  I have used this in the past on such R/C bodies and it seems to adhere pretty well - despite all the crashes.  I have not tried it on Model Railroading applications - yet . . . 

  Naturally, they don't come in railroad specific colors but they have a really nice yellow available.

  Don Luke
  Tucson, AZ
  PRRT&HS 7555


  -----Original Message-----
  From: Ted Andrews <ted_andrews at msn.com>
  To: matt link <mlink1 at columbus.rr.com>; PRR Talk <prr-talk at dsop.com>
  Sent: Thu, 15 Nov 2007 6:50 am
  Subject: Re: [PRR-talk] Modeling question


  Good Morning Matt:
   
  Badger Air-Brush and Paint Company produces a line of paint called Model-Flex. (I think it was called Accu-Flex about 15 years ago) At any rate, they have model railroad colors including Insignia Yellow and Brunswick Green. I have used them on the exact same applications as you (plastic handrails) with great results. The paint goes on well on the handrails by the brush but you may need a few coats of the yellow paint to completely cover. I have never tried these paints out with an airbrush. Like most water-based paints, these dry out very fast within the airbrush.
   
  Here is their webpage: 

  http://www.badger-airbrush.com/modelflex.htm
   
  While most hobby shops don't carry these in stock, they can special order them from Walthers who typically has them in stock.
   
  I hope this helps you out!
   
  Ted 



----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    From: mlink1 at columbus.rr.com
    To: prr-talk at dsop.com
    Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:00:03 -0500
    Subject: [PRR-talk] Modeling question


    List:
    Some time ago in Model Railroader a tip about using a special type of paint on those thin and flexible plastic (ABS?) was given. I believe this type of paint remains flexible even after drying. I am wanting to find a yellow paint (preferably flat as the units are weathered) for the ends of my Stewart Alco Century 628's handrails. Transporting my units back and forth to the club is taking a toll on the paint. Any help is appreciated.
    Thanks
    Matt Link
    PRR T&HS #7120
  = 
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