MTH Standard Tinplate Millennium - Displayed Unit

The manual states to wipe it clean with a damp lint free cloth on occasion to keep it looking new. You can still download the pdf version from the mth web site if you need a copy.

Andrew

I would suggest something like a Meguiars detail spray and some quality microfiber towels. 

Thanks both of you, I have the manual, I may use a clean and probably new lint free cloth  to start. I may even look to one of the local hobby shops service guys to take a crack at this. The sides are shiny bright. It all the horizontal surfaces that are issue. I finally just put it out to look at it. It sure is pretty, and it it looks like an inflated version of my prewar American Flyer 3020 O gauge. But then I suppose that is the point isn’t it?

I have chrome, copper and the gold set. I use the Maquires as Jeff mentioned above.

Steve

Remember that dust particles can act as an abrasive material, so maybe removal by a non-rubbing method first like a damp microfiber cloth dabbing might be in order here!

Proceed with caution at any rate! :-)

GLAD the cars are still factory new!

Keep us updated about your progress! :-)

The gold is extremely delicate. Like mentioned above use damp microfiber detailing towels.  Use the dab method to remove the heavy dust first. 

Never thought of using the Meguiar's Quick Detailer. I trust that stuff on my black vehicles. Plan to give it a try.  Learn something new here everyday.

Definitely DAB and do NOT rub!

It is a shame the initial owner did not invest in a display case for such a NICE engine! Makes you wonder! :-(

Mine is wrapped in terry in a box. It comes out once in a while to play.

Steve

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the constructive input and the friendly discussion. I’m approaching this cleaning project with a very careful approach. I’ve learned a great deal about gold plate since I posted this. I realized that perhaps collectors of large surface gold plated items (plates, figurines and etc) might rely upon jeweler advice. Fair enough. At the moment the careful removal of the dust is the first priority and a safe cleaning is a close second. Do I vacuum or use compressed air? I’m not sure polishing should ever come into play with gold plated surfaces. The gold may simply be too thin to withstand polishing. I bought this set with no plan. Besides cleaning the engine I still have no plan for this set. As a note the gentleman I purchased this from is a very good guy who simply liked looking at it in a wall unit with other gems that he plucked out of his store. I suppose glass doors wasn’t an option. This experience has made me realize that glass enclosed shelving with some serious HEPA grade air circulation will be in order when I get to that point. This will all be part of that dream room over the new garage that doesn’t yet exist and isn’t even designed.

A trick that I learned from a friend that had a car lot. When detailing a car, never use anything wet. Use a 2" 3" or 4" paint brush with a vacuum cleaner sucking also with a brush attachment. The only problem with that is, if the previous owner did use wet cleaning. Then the dust has become stuck in the nooks & crannies from being wet. He always said that takes 10 times the time to professionally make the car's interior look new again. I've found this advise to good advise on many things, like our furniture. We only wet wipe the flat surfaces and brush and vac. the intricate wood carvings. My wife would totally agree. I hope this helps.

Thanks 400Bill.

SORRY, but ANY brush is likely to abrade the delicate gold plated surface! PLEASE gently dab the bulk of the dust with a damp (NOT soaking wet!) microfiber cloth.

Those dust particles will act like sandpaper on that thin plating if you rub or brush anything with or without vacuum suction! The bulk can be removed by dabbing. The previous owner not using a dedicated display case for that engine was unfortunate.

Update from this past winter. We ended up purchasing another barrister cabinet last spring to place this very dusty Millennium Gold Plated gem. I figured we could at least stall further deterioration until I tackle this project. Here is a current view.