Painting brass
Here is one of the most sure fire ways for painting brass (with some variations). First, disassemble the model breaking it down as far as you can (without having to unsolder stuff). Next, put it in stripper (as you have) and strip off the coating. Wash it completely with dishwashing liquid and warm water. Let it dry off (you can speed this up by heating with a hairdryer). Then put it in white vinegar for around 1/2 hour or so. From that moment on only handle the parts with rubber gloves as finger oils can wreck the paint job. Rinse it off with warm water and a medium soft brush. Let it dry completely. Now, brush it down with some alcohol and let it dry. If you use Scalecoat I (for metal) no primer is neccessary. If you use acrylic enamels, you should use a primer. Plasti-cote Car Color primer works very well. You can get it at a store like Pep-Boys. Even if you use the spray can, it works great. It has extremly fine grain, shrinks do nicly without hiding details and is an acrylic lacquer so it is ready to paint over in around 15 minutes. It comes in oxide red, white, black and gray, spray can or bottle. Your other option is to send it to me with $65 and I'll do it!! I am a custom painter for hire!! Check out some of my stuff at
http://BlakeDTatar.com By the way, that Erie caboose looks familiar
I just added the Plano Apex walkway, an Overland antenna and wipers on the bay windows. It is also the older NJ Custom caboose. Mine is going to be straight Erie