Trying my hand at restorations

[Malibu]

I need to order a new set of tires, as these aren't the best, as you can see in the closeup picture.

Hi Bob,

the model looks good again - great Job.
I think you do not Need to buy new tires for it.
I always soak tyres for a few days in oil (last time I used cocking oil) and clean it with a tissue and they look okay again.

Stephan

[Bob/Ohio]

Joe,
After your email reply about using Future on the windshield for my K8a Prime Mover the other day, I will try some on this one too! I have to look around to see who sells it.

Malibu,
I will try your tip on soaking tires in cooking oil.

Thanks
Bob

[zBret]

Very nice work Bob, the models look great !
It seems that "Future" polish is now branded as Pledge Floor Care Finish, the formula is the same though.
Here are two links on the product.
http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html

https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbr ... oor-polish


zBret

[Tinman]

Very nice work Bob, the models look great !
It seems that "Future" polish is now branded as Pledge Floor Care Finish, the formula is the same though.
Here are two links on the product.
http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html

https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbr ... oor-polish

Yes, this is true: "Pledge Floor Care." It's been re-branded in several countries including the USA. Sorry about any confusion. For me, it will always be "Future" as that's the name it's had for the last 30 or 40 years (and I've still two big bottles of the stuff as yet un-opened labeled Future). Available at Walmart and most supermarkets.

[Tinman]

I always wipe the tires down with some Armorall.

Certain oils can swell certain plastic compounds, so that's not a route I'm willing to gamble with (especially since Lesney used different compounds over the years). Some cooking oils leave a gummy residue behind (over time) and can discolor paint and other plastics.

[Bob/Ohio]

Just finished my restoration on the K8a Prime Mover that I got at the Train show. Someone had "Camo" painted it with a brush, including the windows and tires. Here are the before and after pictures.

Bob

[Malibu]

Hello Bob,

perfect restauration.
How did you manade to find the right Color?
Do you paint your models with rattle cans or with airbrush?

Stephan

[motorman]

Bob, that looks fantastic, fit for another 50 years!

[johnboy]

Another super job Bob, I like these models, they still look great to me even after 50+ years.

[Bob/Ohio]

Thanks for the nice comments on my restorations. As for Stephans question, I paint these with rattle cans at the moment. I try to find the closest color match I can to the original color. In fact the Prime Mover is painted Chevrolet Orange Engine Enamel. You can see a color difference next to an original, with 50 year old paint on it. If I get them as close as I can to the original with off the shelf paint, I am happy, as I am not trying to pass them off to someone as an original piece. These pieces have a place in my collection now, instead of in a junk box for parts.

Bob