Cleaning

Which make of cars do you have?

Tin 

I have the Lionel Silver set.  The Range, the Cloud, the Bluff, the Dawn and the REA  They aren't terrible but there are some tiny grimey spots here and there.

I would use warm soap and water, if you use polish it messes up that fine 

matte finish the old trains have. I used polish a the Vista dome car in a original 

Lionel set I had boy that messed it up parts were shinny others were matte, 

not good, just be careful.

Tin 

Ok.  I didn't plan to use any polish.  I do use "Kroil" on my metal trucks and other metal parts to remove and take down rust.  It stops the spread of rust and treats the surrounding metal from any oxidation.  I use it on all my firearms and it is a wonder spray, so much better than WD...

My biggest concern is the lettering as I have seen faded lettring on the strips and I am assuming it is from some over zealous cleaning.

I will carefully try some "Dawn" and a old clean tooth brush.  Thanks for the help Tin...

I forgot about the toothbrush make it a soft one! 

Tin 

Always!

Thanks  I have a big boy toy, a 1951 Ford F-3 one ton pick up.  I normally use a gentle car wash on it because it never sees any rain, snow, or wet grimy dirt.  It's like a Wall Street CEO taking a shower in the morning before work;  he really isn't dirty to begin with, just washing to wake up.

A number of years ago, someone on the forum recommended Zymol cleaner and wax.  I got a bottle at my local auto store and used it on two sets of Lionel Aluminum cars.  They were really dirty and had some tarnish-like smudges on them.  I had nothing to loose and I think they came out looking much better (not brand new, but they were noticibly cleaner). 

Dave