Detailing a Bachmann TTTE Coach

[BakerJohn]

I am starting to detail the TTTE Annie coach I bought to portrait another coach: Victoria. She was only seen in Rev. Awdry's original stories. The first thing I did was remove the molded plastic handrails and test-replace with a brass rail.

Next I will be repainting the coach a blue and white livery (railings will actually be silver), and finally repaint the roof.

Does anyone have any tips/suggestions/comments about painting a bachmann model?

 

[kedwards]

I am starting to detail the TTTE Annie coach I bought to portrait another coach: Victoria. She was only seen in Rev. Awdry's original stories. The first thing I did was remove the molded plastic handrails and test-replace with a brass rail. View attachment 235055 View attachment 235056

Next I will be repainting the coach a blue and white livery (railings will actually be silver), and finally repaint the roof.

Does anyone have any tips/suggestions/comments about painting a bachmann model?

Sorry I have no suggestions about painting but I am very interested in how the conversion goes as I would like to create a similar coach for my railway. Please keep us updated on progress. Keith

 

[Paradise]

If you are using spray cans I think automotive acrylic lacquer is probably best. The budget acrylic enamel paints at the hardware store are OK but tend to go on thick like jam and have a satin orange peel surface. If you want the coach to be slick and shiny like the Thomas range is, you could buff up the Automotive paint to a shine but a raw finish will probably look better anyway.
Shaking the can well and sitting it in hot water before use can help it atomize to a fine mist a little better.
Just keep even long strokes over the model from various angles so all the nooks, crannies and difficult spots get covered first. Only a light coat each time then spray final coats to keep the overall surface consistent looking. Don't put too much on otherwise it will flood over details and run.

 

[playmofire]

Heating the item to be painted gently with a hairdryer set on low to warm it up helps, too, especially if the day is cool and/or damp.

 

[BakerJohn]

Thanks, all! I may go out and get some materials today to paint the roof. We shall see...

EDIT: I forgot to mention that I took out the window panes and will be replacing them with black plastic, or maybe Ill paint the windows black. Not sure yet. But, since the coach isnt detailed inside, I think I can black it out.

 

[Fred2179G]

As I'm sure you know, the surface must be clean and grease-free. Slightly roughing it with fine sandpaper will make the new paint adhere.
I usually spray a primer coat first - it sticks to almost any surface and provides a good base for new spray paint.

 

[BakerJohn]

I usually spray a primer coat first - it sticks to almost any surface and provides a good base for new spray paint.

Definitely, Fred! What brand (s) do you use?

 

[Fred2179G]

What brand (s) do you use?

No preference. Krylon if I can get it, or the other rattle-can stuff at Home Depot.

 

[BakerJohn]

I bought Krylon Paint & Primer. There's not enough tooth with the gloss coat on, so I need to remove that.

However, I did paint the windows black today and fabricated all the handrails / door latches / etc. Not much to see, but here's a photo of them. I drilled holes for them in the coach and numbered them all so I know which is which.