How do you remove letterings from freight cars?

[michael_balcos]

I'd like to remove some letterings, specifically the CN logo, off a red Atlas caboose. Is there a way to do this without removing the base paint? Perhaps denatured alcohol on a cotton swab will work?

[upnick]

Hi Micheal,

One method i use is with a fibreglass pen gently rubbing until the number disappears and no more, do this outside though and away from your clothing as the pen produces hundreds of tiny bits that itch.

This method can be used to fade numbering/letters if you wish, or fading can be achieved with thin washes of colour.

Alcohol may work but could also soften the paint.

[Squidbait]

Put a few drops of Solvaset decal softening solution over the decal and rub gently with a pencil eraser. Some erasers have more grit than others, though, and they can scratch the plastic if you're not careful.

PineSol cleaner can work too... again, put a couple of drops on the decal and rub gently with a cotton swab or paper towel. Rinse with clean water.

[Sarge]

I soak Q-tips in alcohol and rub gently

[Sumpter250]

Joe's Model Trains, paint and decal remover. Follow the simple directions, it may take more than one application, and when the say "air dry only, do not wipe" they mean it! While it won't remove the underlying paint, it does soften it. Once air dried, the paint is OK, and new decals can be applied.
I would recommend trying it on a "throw away", or something you intend on completely repainting, just to get "the hang of it".
I've used this product several times, and, so far, it's the best way I've found for removing unwanted lettering.

[nkp_174]

I've removed the lettering from athearn and old MDC roundhouse equipment with just an old pencil eraser. Unlike using many chemicals, it leaves the underlying paint intact.

[Green_Elite_Cab]

Tamiya paint thinner started removing the lettering from some of my bachmann hoppers without hurting the base paint (not a good idea to try and weather with that, long story!) I don't see why it wouldn't work here.