Removing Grease (but not paint) From a Locomotive

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I purchased a Bachmann Spectrum Dash 8-40CW and when I removed it from its plastic casing, I found it covered in grease or oil–so much so that the thing almost slipped from my hands. Finding oil or grease near the trucks of a model locomotive is not unusual, but this is the first time that the actual shell has been covered in it. Can anyone recommend a solvent or other cleaner I can use to clean the grease off but not affect the paint job?

2

I’ve used standard washing up liquid for this and warm (not hot) water - if you can’t put your hand in the water it’s too hot. Works a treat on grungy Hornby bodyshells from the “used” shelves at the LHS and will even shift quite extensive gunging (most spectacular would have to be an LGB G scale boxcar I bought used (looked like it had been in a flood - general dust and grime all over it). I dismantled it, scrubbed the parts gently in warm water and washing up liquid, it’s now almost mint again.

3

I have an idea that may work. Have you ever tried using dishwashing liquid and a soft brush? I can’t see what it would hurt the paint and a soft brush could surley do no harm. But I would stay away from solvents, they could damage the paint and sometimes plastics don’t react well to them. Hope it helps, Joey

4

My advice would be to carefully remove the shell by removing the screws from the bottom.
Also remove the board from the inside by removing the screw that holds it in. Place the shell in a large bowl, fill with warm water and add degreasing soup and allow to sit over night, then the next day, carefully wash with warm water. Repeat this until the grease is gone. This is a hands off method so you don’t have to scrub the shell which might possibly damage the paint or decals.

Tracklayer

5

IF it has DECALS, I surely wouldn’t let it soak in water! That would loosen the adhesive of the decal, and will let them come off the shell!

However, if it’s a new train, the lettering will be tampo printed, so you’ll be OK using the water method!

Just a thought…leaving it greasy will let dust cling to it, so it will be “self weathering”. [;)][:)][:D][(-D][%-)]

Rotor