Model Forum / General / Railroads / June 2004

Scrape off as much of the foam as possible first.

Then I suggest my "wonder chemical": Lighter Fluid (or Naphta).
Of course test it on a small piece of the model first.
Or try 94% (but not the 75%) Isopropyl alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol).

Of course do it as quickly as possible so they don't start attacking paint.
The paint is probably fully cured as the models were sitting for a while.
So, this might work...

Of course the above mentined chemicals are nasty and flammable - please
use common sense when using them.

Good luck !
Peteski

On brass ,locos I've had reasonable success removing the foam by ...

first brush the model with a stiff brush like an old toothbrush. Pick
off major foam clumps with a wood toothpick.

Then work on remaining individual foam pieces with a Q-tip or similar
moistened with water/detergent.

What the above does not remove, try the Q-tip with various alcohols.
This may dull the finish, but rarely removes the paint unless left on
for long periods.

What the above does not remove, try the Q-tip with Pine-Sol. This may
dull the finish, and may attack the paint if left on for more than a
minute or so.

What the above does not remove, try the Q-tip with mineral spirits
(oil-based paint thinner). Use caution, this may attack the paint.
Experiment in a non-visible area.

What the above does not remove, try the Q-tip with lacquer thinner. Use
caution, this will likely attack the paint. Experiment in a non-visible
area. With care, you may be able to remove a surface layer and NOT go
all the way through the paint.

What the above does not remove, is probably now a permanent pat of the
model's finish. Say 'phooey' (or worse), and strip and repaint.

Aside from sticking, the colored foams often STAIN the paint. No cure
for that except repaint.

Plastic shells are more difficult, as the stronger solvents will
often/usually attack the plastic.

Dan Mitchell
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