Cleaning 2343 shell and frame

I would recommend only soapy warm water, dry it quickly, and follow it up with a blow dryer (hair dryer), to make sure it is completely dry.  For the frame, I would use same soapy warm water, and a soft bristle paint brush, to get into the crevices.  Using anything of a caustic nature on the silver will absolutely ruin it.  If you can get an aerosol can of compressed air, would also help to get any moisture out of the detail of the trucks.

Just my opinion: Postwar Lionel's silver paint does not fair cleaning very well. The patina is usually altered. If it only needs a "light" cleaning with perfect paint and decals, I wouldn't clean it.

 

Have used the method Doc recommends. Very, very mild soap and NO abrasive/hard scrubbing including NO stiff bristled brush. Rinse and pat dry, NO rubbing.

Lionel postwar silver paint is easily marred or removed

I have always used mild dish soap and a soft bristle shaving brush like your grandpa used to use.  I pat it dry with a towel then set it in front of a fan for a couple of hours.  I'm in Texas so that may not dry as quick in wetter areas of the country.  I always stay away from the decals.

10-4 to the posts above.  Be very careful to stay away from the decals with any water. The very soft brush and mild, warm soapy water is the thing to use.  Be certain the soap is a mild soap, a quality dish soap and not much of.  Dip the soft brush into the soap bubbles and water, do not dip the shell into the water.  VERY lightly brush the dirty areas, if they are discernable.  Yes, pat dry with a soft cloth, do not rub it, set aside with a fan blowing on it.  Make certain to dry any water drops in the crevices, always pay attention to the inside of the shell, screw hole posts.  As for the frame, I always give just a good dusting with VERY soft bristle brush.  Also, be certain your hands/fingers are dry and wipe them often to remove natural oils, avoid holding by the visible sides/areas as much as possible.  How easily the surfaces can be affected will surprise you.  And we all know, you do not want to have any surprises... disappointments.  I speak from past experiences many years ago, did not have anyone to advise me in the '70s when I got back into the hobby.

 

Jesse