What's the best way to clean factory painted

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

locos and rolling stock which have excellent paint jobs but lots of crud and finger prints from years of use? Will water and detergent damage the finish?

EDIT: BTW, I was asking about plastic models made in the last 20 years or so, but I do have a couple of old metal models also - no brass.

  • Harry
2

I would think mild dish soap would work best. No scrubbing! Just a gentle wash and pat dry.

EDIT: Shell only! No electrical parts!

3

I use Dawn dish washing liquid or Fantastic spray cleaner and a soft toothbrush and warm water.

4

A wipedown with a damp paper towel followed by patting dry with with a dry paper towel works for me.