Dirty Tinplate

I could argue the patina thing but what sent me over the edge with this set was that someone/sometime had put a shine to the grease. The more I looked the madder I got- almost as though someone was too lazy to clean before shining/waxing which effectively pushed the grease in.

Also wanted to clarify the Mequiar wants ya to use their wax but the folks at the NAPA store stated any good auto wax will work.

John

John H. Shetler posted:

 The more I looked the madder I got- almost as though someone was too lazy to clean before shining/waxing which effectively pushed the grease in.

John

Echo John. This makes it much harder to clean. And it can hold moisture, especially if left in the cracks....

Does anybody have experience using the "Mr. Clean Magic Eraser" cleaning tinplate (not lithographed areas/cars)? Seems very mild when i have used it on painted walls, plastics, etc.

We have, but very, very lightly. .It does work

Great thread.

So how about on early 1920 era Ives trains? Their paint is fragile to begin with- and suggestions?

Jim

I would also emphasize.  Don't use WD-40 as a cleaner.  It is a water displacement product, invented for exterior treatment of aircraft to get underneath and lift out rust and water, and leaves a thin gummy film when it dries.   It was not designed to be a lubricant or cleaner.  Yes, it will remove stuff,  because its very tiny molecules will get under it and lift it off,  but then you are left with trying to figure out how remove the WD-40.

I wonder if a follow-up coat of wax over the cleaner is needed on our trains.  I can see why the manufacturer would recommend it for an automobile outside, but, it doesn't strike me as necessary in the environment in which we generally keep these trains.  Thoughts?

@palallin posted:

I wonder if a follow-up coat of wax over the cleaner is needed on our trains.  I can see why the manufacturer would recommend it for an automobile outside, but, it doesn't strike me as necessary in the environment in which we generally keep these trains.  Thoughts?

Totally your choice but the wax over the cleaner will remove any residue left by the cleaner. Some folks just use the cleaner but IMO once you make the leap to clean why not give that surface added protection? The key is getting the cleaner/wax out of the nooks and crannies without damaging the surface when done. As Rob English points out, it will trap moisture.