Michael,
I'm thinning the Alclads with lacquer thinner. Nasty stuff, but I have an extractor, face mask, and good ventilation. I tried to avoid the lacquers by using acrylic metalizers, but the acrylics had a sparkly look due to the large metal flakes. In fact, I painted this whole engine with acrylics first, panicked after seeing that if looked like a sparkly charm bracelet, and quickly stripped off the paint!

I use Tamiya thinner for the Tamiyas, Vallejo thinner for the Vallejos, etc, etc... The acrylic thinners are basically IPA, flow improver, drying retarder, and water though, but I like to use the manufacturers thinners. I should make up a batch of "home brew" thinner.
The AK and Mig stuff use White Spirits. I use Gamsol Oderless Spirits which you can get at most art supply stores for a fraction of the price of AK's little bottle. The Gamsol also works for oils.
George