Cleaning PW Steam Engines

It may be the paint deteriorating.  I've used some WD-40 applied with a soft brush to bring back the luster on tenders and steamers.  Test on an inconspicuous area first.

The 2025 tender has a painted shell to match the luster of the locomotive. The 2046 tender shell is unpainted. You see the black plastic. The two finishes will not match.

I've used a light coat of Break Free CLP (cleaner, lubricant, preservative), seems to add luster and holds up well and does not damage the original finish.  Apply it sparingly with a 1" paint brush and work it in well, all of the nooks and crannies.  It should be fine.  I will monitor the thread for other ideas, thanks for asking.

I have WD-40, but don’t have Break Free CLP. I will pick some up and do a test on the inside of the shell.

The inside of the shell is not painted.

Most of the shell inside matches the exterior. Assuming overspray.

I ran a quick test on the inside of the shell, and thought that the CLP looked a bit better (in the close up below, WD40 on the left and CLP on the right). I sprayed the CLP on the rest of the shell, and spread it around with a toothbrush, followed by a quick rinse. I think the shell looks a lot better now. Thanks to all for the advice!

CLP is great stuff!

Never heard of it before. Great recommendation from Chuck

We used it by the case in the armory on board ship, has a bunch of uses.

Can this be used on the metal engine as well or just the tender ?

We used it to clean the firearms on board ship, so yes could be used on metal. Always test for paint/finish reaction as with any type of cleaner.