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Topic starter
01/10/2026 4:25 pm
I have a replacement elephant for my 1:24 Bugatti Royale Coupé Napoleon, but it is in black material and I would like to have it match the other chrome bits at the front of the car. I am using Tamiya Paints (Chris's recommendation) and they have X-11 Chrome Silver, which will provide a gloss finish to the mascot. I will use a pinstriping brush to paint it, as it is just a tiny little thing. Does anyone have a different suggestion, before I order the paint?
Christopher Moroni and Tony Perrone reacted
02/10/2026 8:08 am
"I am using Tamiya Paints (Chris's recommendation) and they have X-11 Chrome Silver....."
Tamiya makes excellent paints - BUT NOT if you're looking for Chrome. "X-11 Chrome Sliver" will dry "Silver," NOT "Chrome."
Like Geoff, I too use CHROME (or Gold ) markers, then blunt the tip onto a non-porous surface (plastic or glass ) then with a tiny brush I'll apply the paint. TIP: Marker paint dies fast; you must work quickly and/or prepare for "numerous bluntings."
But it will dry "Chrome." Notice (poor pic ...I realize ) the baby-moon hubcaps on this green N-scale Ford. Those were painted over 40 years ago using "Chrome maker paint."
Should you desire a larger Chrome surface there's no better CHROME PAINT than Revell's "CROM SPRAY." It will not dry silver, it will dry CHROME! However, it's not inexpensive, prepare to pay $38 - $70 for c.5 ounces.
GOOD LUCK and post pics! 😀
Topic starter
02/10/2026 10:14 am
@geoff-jowett @chris Thank you, gents. I needed another color so I ordered the X-11 as a backup. I have a clear gloss I can wash over the X-11 to give it some bling, if all else fails. I will order the AK1302 this afternoon.
Steve Jacobs and Christopher Moroni reacted
Topic starter
02/10/2026 11:15 am
Bought this, and this is one very rare commodity over here.
This post was modified 1 week ago by GDH
02/10/2026 6:32 pm
Bought this, and this is one very rare commodity over here.
thats the one. I'll be interested to see how you find it.
03/10/2026 11:00 pm
GDH, my 2 cents. Find a broken FM Royale Esders, plenty of them around as they suffer from diecast rot (the green version), and salvage the hood ornament. It is the best dancing elephant miniature ever made and it is silver. They are often black because the silver has oxidized but it could be easily cleared.
This post was modified 1 week ago 3 times by Chav
Topic starter
04/10/2026 6:49 pm
@chav Thanks for the tip. I already have a replacement so I will proceed with what I have, but with my ability to knock off tiny parts legendary there is cause to believe I may need another one, someday.
I just looked at my Esders and noticed the elephant has indeed turned black, so I will give it a fresh coat of chrome.
This post was modified 7 days ago by GDH
Christopher Moroni reacted
04/10/2026 7:45 pm
@chav Thanks for the tip. I already have a replacement so I will proceed with what I have, but with my ability to knock off tiny parts legendary there is cause to believe I may need another one, someday.
I just looked at my Esders and noticed the elephant has indeed turned black, so I will give it a fresh coat of chrome.
why would you chrome the Esders elephant, it is made of silver, it needs to be polished. Typically you would use some silver polish. I haven’t done it on my Esders but I will research how to do it, or maybe someone here knows… I have used paint polishing compound on other silver parts then I spray them with clear coat so they don’t get patina again.
Topic starter
06/10/2026 4:14 pm
@chav Forgive my late response, as I have been unwell. I will hold off doing anything with the Esders, for now, and look forward to further information.
Topic starter
08/10/2026 10:29 am
@perrone1 Thank you, Tony. I have no idea what malaise I have, but I am hoping blood tests will provide an answer.
Christopher Moroni reacted
Topic starter
11/10/2026 12:36 am
@geoff-hewitt @chris @chav @peronne1 Well, I followed the advice provided and the results are in. Both the 1930 Bugatti Type 41 Coupé Napoleon and the 1934 Packard Twelve Dietrich Convertible Sedan were in need a some bling, and I think they turned out great. Thanks for the tip, guys !
(Yeah, Chris, I was being a bit cheeky with the space before the !.)
Christopher Moroni and Geoff Jowett reacted
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