OK, well after 2-3 days of searching on here (not continuous) i can not find the thread with the information i am looking for.
i have a 2343 set which i would like to clean. i can not find the thread on which the poster said he used zymoil to wax after cleaning? the shells have very light wearing on them, and i’d like to make them look decent again. i know they won’t shine like a ferrari but close to new would make me happy 
thanx!!
Ben
Ben…back in the first quarter of 2008, March I think, this topic was covered but I am likewise not able to find it for you doing an archive search. KoolJock and Jumijo had some product recommendations but I don’t remember what they were, except they emphasized that the postwar lionel reds and silvers were very fragile like on the 2343s.
What was recommended was a gentle cleaning in luke warm water with just a few drops of a very mild soap. Care not to disturb lettering or decals. Q-tips for the nooks and crannies. Very soft and well used toothbrush and wood toothpicks for the vents. Repeat if necessary. Gentle is the order of the day.
I recall that one of these guys suggested that any washing or the use of a product such as a wax or a polish be tested on an inconspicuous spot on the painted underside of the shell first to see what happens. One had suggested a Turtle Wax (automotive) product for clear coats. All with light and gentle application and removal by hand with a soft cotton cloth like a t-shirt.
Personally, I have used SC Johnson’s Pledge (a furniture product) on my post war diesels and steamers since about 1960 with no ill effects on the paint, lettering, striping, or decals. The furniture wax doesn’t last like an automotive wax would but it doesn’t leave a residue build up either. I started out with the original Pledge formula. Stuff with “lemon” or “orange” might be harmful. And they have variations of the product that can be used on multiple surfaces, not sure that is a good thing.
Let me check to see what Pledge variation I more recently used and search the forum archives. I’ll let you know what I find.<
[quote user=“RockIsland52”]
Ben…back in the first quarter of 2008, March I think, this topic was covered but I am likewise not able to find it for you doing an archive search. KoolJock and Jumijo had some product recommendations but I don’t remember what they were, except they emphasized that the postwar lionel reds and silvers were very fragile like on the 2343s.
What was recommended was a gentle cleaning in luke warm water with just a few drops of a very mild soap. Care not to disturb lettering or decals. Q-tips for the nooks and crannies. Very soft and well used toothbrush and wood toothpicks for the vents. Repeat if necessary. Gentle is the order of the day.
I recall that one of these guys suggested that any washing or the use of a product such as a wax or a polish be tested on an inconspicuous spot on the painted underside of the shell first to see what happens. One had suggested a Turtle Wax (automotive) product for clear coats. All with light and gentle application and removal by hand with a soft cotton cloth like a t-shirt.
Personally, I have used SC Johnson’s Pledge (a furniture product) on my post war diesels and steamers since about 1960 with no ill effects on the paint, lettering, striping, or decals. The furniture wax doesn’t last like an automotive wax would but it doesn’t leave a residue build up either. I started out with the original Pledge formula. Stuff with “lemon” or “orange” might be harmful. And they have variations of the product that can be used on multiple surfaces, not sure that is a good thing.
Let me check to see what Pledge variation I more recently used and search the forum archives. I’ll let you know what I find.
Jack