Removing numbers

[Bandit Mick]

A bit of help needed please. I am trying to remove the numbers from the tank of my Peckett. I tried T-cut on some small letters with limited success so painted over them. How can I get rid of the large numbers? I have produced a mono-chrome box file so everything needs to be greys/whites/black but the numbers are yellow.
PS Apologies to those of a nervous disposition but I am performing this surgery on a limited edition grey Peckett!!!

[Steve M]

Whichever method you use, you will inevitably need to repaint the area concerned.
T Cut is a great method but will polish the paint surface around the numbers. I use a cocktail stick cut to a chisel point to limit the area being rubbed.
Another method, which should be used with extreme caution, is to use the cocktail chisel with IPA - it works but can go horribly wrong!
Finally, the numbers can be carefully scraped off with a brand new curved scalpel blade - not a straight one, it will dig in.
But always be ordered to repaint the area you have been working on - and that’s a whole new ball game.

[Bandit Mick]

Thanks Steve. Didn’t think I’d have to do some repainting. Oh dear, wish I’d sourced another loco now but things were hard to come by during lockdown. Will have to get my thinking hat on- now, where did I put it!

[Chuffchuff]

In my way of thinking, the numbers are either paint or transfers.

If the former, maybe a soak in airbrush thinner , there are numerous blends, unfortunately or lighter fluid maybe a bit harsh ?

Or latter a 24 hr soak in a mixture of water and washing up liquid. Ultrasound cleaner ?

All preceded with a test on the base material, if you can find an out of sight area.

Rgds

[Bandit Mick]

Thanks for the replies. Numbers now removed with T cut. A bit cack handed but the area can be covered with etched plates. Talking of which, anyone suggest a suitable size for the plates and font. I’m modelling in OO. Also, what would be a suitable font style?

[Walkingthedog]

Is it a fictional colour scheme. If so the font and size is entirely up to you.

[Steve M]

Trawl through the readily available options from Fox Transfers and ModelMaster Jackson but potentially have a word with the guys at RailTec Transfers who can put together a bespoke set - their 3D printed water slide plates are exceptional.

[Mike Parkes]

Various techniques work depending on how the numbers etc have been applied. On some models enamel thinners works and equally you need to be careful weathering if using thinned down enamels, others just a cocktail stick (no T Cut neccessary) while a newer approach is a sharpie pen rubbed over (the sharpie marking come off with acyrlic thinners). Always a game of trail and error to see what works - another now rare to find item that is useful is a typists (as in a manual typewriter) eraser.