Hello Roy,

To take your questions in order:

1) In brief: No. But, you can of course touch-in and paint areas of the loco, cleaning off any residual oil etc., and maybe rubbing-down first to smooth edges of existing paint where there is paint chipped-off and using appropriate primers.

You may not achieve an ‘exhibition’ finish with this method but if it is acceptable to you … then, go for-it.  As the loco is black overall (?) you already have an advantage, but if it is gloss then you have a problem!

2) No, as Julie writes above, coach enamels will be good.

3) Yes.  You will need etch primer for non-ferrous surfaces tho’.

More widely I suggest that you also post your question in the ‘General’ section of Model Engineering Clearing House.  There are a few members in NZ, and more in Aus’ who may be able to assist you with local suppliers etc.  In addition there is a broad base of locomotive experience, and Christopher Vine, the author of the excellent book “How Not to Paint a Locomotive’, is an active member; if he sees your post and feels that he can contribute then he will do-so.

Regards,

Phil

Unfortunately the Tekaloid sold now is not the same product that was sold a few years ago, I used it regularly in the 80’s for motorbikes and it gave a fantastic finish, any brush marks settled out to leave a glossy smooth coating. The firm was bought out some time ago and the formula changed, last time I bought some it left a very disappointing finish and I asked on an old bike forum which prompted a large number of replies from people feeling the same. Evidently changed for environmental reasons. I use Paragon/Craftmaster now but miss the old Tekaloid, as Duncan says it was superb and extremely durable.

As well as Chris Vines excellent book if you can get a copy of The Vintage Motorcyclists Workshop by Radco, out of print but at one time was available free online it has an excellent section on brush painting. By following his instructions even I could get a very acceptable finish!