I desperately need to do a FULL cleaning job on my Lionel 3469 coal car. Can anyone tell me where to start taking it apart and any tricks required to get it thoroughly clean inside and out. It really needs to be taken apart, as an external cleaning only will not cut it.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I'm sure someone more knowledgeable than myself will respond, but I believe you start by removing the two screws from the handrails on either side. You may also have to remove the bigger pivot screw. That should let you remove the handrails and the body. Then you can slide the coil cover out and have access the coil and wiring.
Thanks, Zeke. I'll give it a try today. What would you recommend to clean old grime from the metal without hurting the paint or lettering? Will denatured alcohol be OK?
Do NOT use alcohol, it attacks some paints and probably the lettering! Don't ask me how I know that. 
I'd use a mild dish washing liquid as a start and then a wet rag.
I absolutely agree with GRJ. Start off easy with water and a mild liquid soap and see where that gets you.
I'm hesitant to advise you on the lettering because it seems like on some cars it stands up to cleaning pretty well, but not so much on others.
Any chance you could post a picture or two so we can see exactly what we're dealing with? If not, no big deal, but it might help.
Soap and water. I often use liquid hand soap.
I like to use a combination of old, worn (soft) toothbrushes, and chip brushes.
Be gentle, don't scrub. And don't spend too much time cleaning. Sometimes the finish softens when wet. So, in cases where some dirt remains, I find it better to let the item dry, wait a day or so, and clean again.
Then I shake off all excess water (hold tight!), and put in front of a fan to dry.
The paint on those dump cars is fairly tough, as long as it isn't flaking (bin / door).
Still, anytime you try to clean a train, there is an element of risk.
I've ruined my share of pieces. 
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
