Cleaning plastic train cars

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1

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Cleaning plastic train cars

2

I’ve always used the tried and true Dawn dishwashing soap judiciously with great results. You can’t use it on everything like the article said, particularly red items and some silver. Silver always gets a quick, careful cleaning swipe more than a wash.

I’ve always like the slight sheen a LITTLE Armor All (original) puts on Lionel postwar stuff, and even that sheen seems to tone down over time. I like the protective coating it provides, and 16 years later all the stuff still looks great with no evidence of ill effect. However, silver and red items just get a very careful, quick swipe with Armor All for all the reasons above. Just my two cents!

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Great tips, glad I read them (especially about using something softer than a toothbrush, and not washing a red painted Lionel car)!

4

Thanks for the good advice. I have a few cars that have been in storage for years and don’t want to hurt them.
This will help me learn patience and good planning.
Thanks for your help.
Steve

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The softest brushes are makeup brushes. If you live close to a Dollar General Store, you can get them cheap. I found that you have to reshape them after using them with soap and water.

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Here’s a tip I received a couple of years ago, and it’s great. Once you are finished cleaning, put on some Harold’s Feed and Wax, let it sit for a couple of days, then rub out with a clean soft cloth. It gives the engine or car a really nice sheen, not real shiny, looks a lot like what vintage Lionel looks like if it’s like new out of the box. You can find it in Home Depot, a bottle will last you a long time. I’ve done engines (like a 2046) and cars (like PRR caboose), and passenger cars (a set of vintage Madisons). Look great and seem to repel dust.

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What is the best way to clean and protect Aluminum cars with a silver finish