Post War Car Clean Up Advice

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Hello all.

I have recently purchased some post war cars that are in pretty good shape. They all could benefit from a good cleaning however. The specifics are:

638-3361 Van Camp’s Car

6427 Porthole Caboose

1004 Baby Ruth Car

6656 Lionel Line Cattle Car

6356 NYC Cattle Car

6024 PRR - Shredded Wheat

3464 NYC Operating Box Car

6456 Lehigh Valley Hopper (Maroon)

6462 NYC Gondola

I have seen some posts / discussions around the paint and decals on some of the PW diesels being susceptible to cleaners. I have also read the “Cleaning plastic train cars” article on the CTT web site.

Are there any other tips or specifics anyone can offer? The article mentioned painted red cars - it looks like the 2361 Van Camp’s car is molded red and should hold up OK to a mild cleaning? What about the caboose and the LV hopper - they are painted with heat stamped letters.

Thanks,

2

I take the cars apart. I use an old tooth bruch, and a dab of dish washing liquid, and some warm water. I let the parts air dry, or lay them on a furnace register(mine are in the floor) Gently scrub with the brush where decals are used.