Hello all,
What is the best method for cleaning dirty dusty car (plastic) shells, and also for the metal wheels trucks and undercarraige?
What is recommended for light rust removal of the outsie undercarraige?
Thank you!
Larry
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When cleaning cars, I first remove the shell from the chassis. I'll wash the shell in a very mild warm soapy water mix and go over everything with a soft toothbrush. Then rinse under clean water. I then pat it dry with a microfiber towel.
For the chassis, break it down as much as you can. Soak it in "Evaporust" until it takes the rust off. I've heard vinegar also does the job. It's probably cheaper and less toxic. Sand it thoroughly and then paint the components to prevent rust from returning. POR (Paint Over Rust) is a great choice. Be sure to lube all the axles where they go into the trucks, and lube the couplers and rollers, too.
When the shell is off is the perfect time to weigh the car and add weights inside so that its specs meet what the NMRA recommends. That's how I've done my rolling stock, but I'm sure there are better ways I haven't considered. Good luck with your project.
Tom
The late Jim Barrett to the rescue!
wow! thank you both, especially that video.
I have tried brushing w-d 40 on truck sides and metal frames, why would that not be a good thing to do?
Also, I had no idea you could use that black paint on a loco without losing value. Is that still true today?
WD-40 never dries completely and will always attract dirt and dust, plus will leave oily fingerprints in other areas of the car if accidentally touching the sprayed areas. WD-40 is not really the proper lubricant for model trains. There are specialized lubricants you should be using, commonly found from many of the advertisers on this Forum. They've been specifically engineered for use on items made in either metal or plastic (or a combination) that only need a miniscule amount of oil. They'll also typically use a needle-type applicator to precisely put the oil where needed.
I don't think using some black touch-up paint will hurt the value of a locomotive like the one in the video. It's been well-loved for many years and probably doesn't have its original box anymore, so its collectibility wouldn't be close to the same as one that's mint-in-the-box (MIB) and has never been run. This is the type of thing that true collectors want - MIB - they'll never actually put it on the tracks. That's a great way to enjoy the hobby, as is running them around your layout. That's one of the best things about this hobby; people enjoying all the different possible aspects of it, and it's all good!
Tom
