you have problem depending on whats under the paint and how much penetration the paint has into the grain of the wood. Largely a factor of the paint and the type of wood.
If you are planning on repainting you stand a better chance, but once you bight the bullet your sorta commited. but then if you dont like the red yourve nothing to lose.
Two choices to remove the paint. Personally prefer a hot air gun as cheaper, less messy and quicker, but some prefer to use an acid paint remover. Most these days re fairly pathetic thanks to HSE. I'd go gun
Work fast with a high heat taking care not to scorch the wood. A sharp scraper and i mean scraper not one of those metal wallpaper thingys they sell in asda.
You may find the paint or undercoat or whatever the previos 10 coats are underneath has penetrated the wood grain, in which case you will then need to sand down.
A good mechanical sander or a series of sanders in decreasing viciousness is the order of the day. Finishing up with hand sanding with a cork block. You will find alum oxide paper is more expensive but worth the difference. By a small roll from wilkinsons or
Machine mart.
Howe much sanding you need will also depend on what finish you intend to apply. If your gonna put on a dark paint then you can get away with a less clean surface ,but a light magnoilia you will need to remove. Suck and see really work a small section first and see how it pans out.
Good luck! let us know!
Kev