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What was the exact plastic used on PW alcos?

ajzendajzendOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I'm trying to give Testor some information so that they can help determine the cause of a situation that developed.  I was stripping original paint off of a 2032, and on one of the shells brake fluid just wasn't penetration (even after prolonged soaks -weeks). I turned to their plastic safe ELO paint remover.  The paint did lift off but in various spots it caused a thin chalky white residue.  This would lift off with brushing and brake fluid.  Actually, I find an old Sonicare toothbrush quite useful for this (though this appalls my seven year old grand-daughter). After using the ELO I washed the shell in dish soap. Well, I had the opportunity (paint job failure misfortune) of having to remove a failed repaint, but this I washed with a cleaner degreaser (Calpro) after the ELO. Each time after the wash the chalky white material appeared.

Testor would like to know exactly what plastic is in the shell.  So, any help in this regard would be helpful.

Has anyone had a similar experience?

Thanks,

Alan

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Allan MillerAllan MillerOGR Editor-in-Chief SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Actually, I think you'll have a hard time finding anyone who knows the "exact" plastics that were used in the postwar period.  I imagine the composition of many of the plastics used changed/evolved over time, and probably only those people who were employed by Lionel at that time, and who were directly involved with that aspect of production, would be able to give an accurate answer.

Jim PolicastroJim PolicastroOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Alan,

 

The plastics used by Lionel were much more primitive in those days as compared to what's available today. Those engines were among the first models to use plastic as opposed to bakelite. Problems with paint adhesion, warping with age, etc. were common in that period.

 

I would be extremely sparing with the use of today's high-powered cleaners and strippers on those shells. The chalky substance you're seeing could be signs of a reaction between those chemicals and the plastic. Could even be the surface plastic dissolving or disintegrating to some degree. The "safe for plastic" label might not necessarily include the 1950 era varieties.

 

Even some tough modern plastics don't like brake fluid or strippers. I'd stick with just the soap and water for cleaning. 

 

Jim

Last edited by Jim Policastro
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