Almost every Postwar Lionel 6822 searchlight car with a black deck that I have seen has areas of greyish-white on the deck. It reminds me of the mold release compound that early 1950's 2023 alcos get.
I've tried cleaning it off with various soaps / detergents.
I have also tried heat (works on those 2023's)
Right now I have a deck soaking in TSP (non-phospate), but so far there doesn't seem to be any change.
Does anybody know what it is, and/or how to remove it?
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I spent some more time yesterday trying to determine how to remove that greyish-white residue.
Turns out that heat will remove it, but there is a big problem. It takes a lot more heat to remove this residue, as opposed to the stuff that appears on those early diesels (and a few other select items).
I melted my deck 
.
I am guessing that the residue is mold release compound. The question is still: How to clean it off without ruining the deck?
Just a guess, but it sounds "dry" or maybe moldy. If dry, Zymol rubber conditioner may work. I've seen it soften and blacken old rubber seals on autos that were white and crackly beforehand. It could also be alcohol staining of plastic. Instead, use light soap in water, dry fast and fully in forced air or Sun (careful), then oil all metal asap. Be wary of "Orange" and "Green" cleaners on plastic test,and wait a,day or so to check.
Post war era, Lionel used to suggest Naptha (Zippo fluid) for cleaning plastics (still need to watch out for some paints).
A photo often helps if you can manage it.
try waxing the deck with Vaseline or Crisco. I prefer Crisco. after you massage the Crisco into the deck wipe off with a dry cotton cloth.
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