Working with resin

[EM2]

I've just acquired my first resin loco body, an N-gauge Class 15.
I'd like to firstly strip the paint. Will Fairy Power Spray work, like on ordinary plastic models?
I also want to replace all the moulded details, especially the hand rails and to drill out and clean up the windows and fit some glazing. This is the first time I'll have done this. Is it better to file detail off with needle files, or to cut it off with a blade?
I'm guessing the blade option would leave less need of filling etc?

 

[guillyman]

Hello, EM2!

I've just seen your post, so please forgive me for not replying earlier. I have a limited amount of experience working with resin, but not in the field of model making, rather in the field of refurbishing guillotines! I'm sure the principles are the same...

Resin is a very forgiving material to work with. It is pretty stable, it is not "thermo-setting" as some plastics are, and doesn't have a grain.

This means that you can easily machine it with whatever tools you like, and if you take off too much... well you just put a bit more on and it will adhere quite readily... I would normally start by cutting off big lumps with a knife, then finishing off with a file, or better some very fine wet-and-dry to achieve a smooth finish. Regarding stripping off paint, as the material is chemically fairy inert, you may use more or less what you wish. Some of the more viscious commercial paint strippers which you wouldn't use on plastics should work, but for your own peace of mind try them on a scrap piece first!

The only thing you can't do is heat the material to bend it, as you can with some plastics. But overall it is a good medium to work in - it is easily correctible, it doesn't split along a rogue grain, and with it a fine finish can be achieved.

I hope that helps, and we all look forward to seeing the results of your efforts. If in doubt, try a small scrap piece first, but I am sure you will enjoy working with this material!

Regards!
Al.

P.S Love your avatar! Those were very fine locomotives indeed!