Y&MV 200/201 - Santa Fe Numbers and Logo Removed

GP7u Markings Removed

As part of the preparation for the painting process of my two Athearn Genesis GP7u locomotives, I have decided not to strip the paint off of them.  Athearn Genesis has done a wonderful job of applying the paint in very thin layers.  Fully decorated, the finest details are still very well defined.  There is some relief around the color separations, however, that may show through the Y&MV paint.  Some of them are acceptable and others not.  

I chose to leave the "Santa Fe" lettering on the long hood alone as well as the main blue/yellow color separations behind the cab and on the battery box.  After all these are intended to represent former Santa Fe locomotives so if upon close inspection of the finished Y&MV locomotives traces of Santa Fe are visible, it is OK.  

What I did choose to remove were the cab and rear numbers as well as the classic Santa Fe "Cigar Band" logo on the noses.  Recently I saw a YouTube video by Josh Clark, a.k.a. NSmodeler24, which introduced me to a new method of removing painted-on locomotive numbers.  That video is linked below in this posting for reference.  

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Josh's method is remarkably simple.  All that needs to be done is application of a decal setting solution to the numbers for about five minutes.  It is important to be vigilant and use a brush as necessary to keep the markings covered with the solution.  Then a simple blot drying with a paper towel to remove excess liquid is required to prepare the surface for number removal.  Finally, Scotch Tape is applied firmly to the surface. When removed this takes the numbers with it!

I tried this method on these locomotives and it worked like a charm!  For some areas a second or third pass was required, but really minimal time was required.  In addition to the link to Josh Clark's YouTube video, there is a slide show below depicting this process as applied to the Y&MV 200 and Y&MV 201.

These locomotives are now getting close to being ready for primer and paint!

CMP

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