I also have my last Switcher up for sale...it's my depot shunter which I was using for testing.
It may not be your cup of tea, the body is heavily weathered with some texture applied. I recently serviced the motor. It has no lights or wiring for lights... - Ken Winter Haines Trains Feb 2024
PHOTO OF THE DEPOT SHUNTER ABOVE PRIOR TO RESTORATION - (COURTESY OF KEN WINTER)
The above conversation was how the process started...every story has a starting point!
The restoration process consisted of a complete strip down of the locomotive followed by a long 'bath' in 99% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) which facilitated a deep clean and then over a day or so, the complete removal of all the original paint and weathering.
Once the body shell was in its natural state, a thorough examination occurred to determine what repairs were needed to be undertaken such as cracks, scars and other imperfections that were evident in the plastic shell from years of play.
Some areas required some reinforcing to be added to the inside of the shell and other areas required filing and sanding to remove imperfections and filling material.
(PHOTO OF BODY SHELL READY FOR PAINTING)
Once completed, a coat of plastic primer was applied ready for the finish topcoat.
The chassis and other parts all received a similar amount of attention before priming and a final coat of black paint.
The motor and accompanying wheel sets etc were all cleaned, and lubricant applied (sparingly) including a new magnet for the motor as the old one had lost its 'zest for life'. The armature was subjected to all solder joints being refreshed to ensure even resistance across all poles.
All existing wiring having been stripped away, was replaced with new wiring and LED lights fitted front and rear of the locomotive.
A new green topcoat of paint was sprayed onto the shell, and new decals to match the required livery were applied once the paint had cured.
The drivers cab roof, exhaust grill and front and rear pilots, were all given a refreshing coat of black paint as well as the fitting of a complete set of hand rails which finished off the restoration.
Final assembly was completed, and a test run undertaken on a rolling road which resulted in the old workhorse strutting its stuff beautifully and steady without an issue for a couple of hours.
(PHOTO OF THE DEPOT SHUNTER AFTER RESTORATION WAS COMPLETED)
