AF 652 Pullman Car Cleaning?

Anyone? I mean I imagine I can disassemble it, and clean it with room temperature water, just like a Lionel piece. Are the letters as delicate as on Lionel cars?

Well Michael, since no one else has stepped up:  I've no experience with these, but I'm sure you're aware of the general car-cleaning rule of starting with the mildest cleaner because you mentioned H2O.  Good.  I'd stay away from the lettering if it is decals.  Maybe just dab at it, but no rubbing. I believe I read once that AF decals are more fragile than Lionel.  If the lettering is printed and it is dirty, try the water.  If presentable enough, leave it alone IMHO.  Good luck.

You should try cleaning it with minimal amounts of water . Try it in an area not readily visible. My limited experience with AF cleaning is that the paint did oxidize over time and you do see color in whatever you use to wipe the surface.

You need to be extra careful with letterring. Decals can lift from the body and some printing will not be fast. Again very lightly and in areas first that might not be noticeable . If it looks decent as is leave it alone.

First off, is the 652 red painted or unpainted red Bakelite? Most 652's are unpainted Bakelite.

With either type, first remove dust with a camel hair brush. The unpainted red (or olive green) Bakelite versions are easiest to clean and may usually be disassembled and cleaned using a soft brush in mild soap and water. Double check with the lettering beforehand, but it usually is OK with being gently cleaned in this manner. The lettering is stamped and are not decals.

The red-painted (or green) on black Bakelite are much more difficult to clean. Gentle rubbing with a wet tissue will usually work, but the paint can flake off the car body, so considerable care must be taken.

Hope this helps.

Bob