I recently purchased a pair of 2343 F3 AA units, which, unfortunately had been stored in a damp storage unit. These are the yellow molded shells which I understand lend themselves to mold problems if not stored in a dry environment. Does anyone have idea on how to best clean off the mold, without damage to the silver/red paint? Thank you for your time and consideration!
and, don't forget...tomorrow is Mother's Day! You might want to pick out a very special Lionel train for her!
"Scatter Joy" - Emerson
I'm wondering if by mold you mean whitish, milky, powdery like blotches all over the bodies?
That is what I have on mine, although I don't recall them ever beigh stored in particularly damp areas.
I too would like to kjnow how best to remove these blotches, as I think the silver is rather easily rubbed of as well.
runtime
Yes, that's exactly describes the problem. I am referring to it as "mold" as Joe Algozzini in his book on Lionel's Postwar F3's states that the early 2343's, molded in yellow plastic, were prone to mold on their shells, if stored in a damp location.
I'd clean nothing until the experts that be chime in. That paint is delicate as I recall from a previous thread many moons ago, but someone had the fix. Patience!
Jack.
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
Thanks Jack. That's why I posted the question...hopefully someone with experience (positive experience, that is) will reply. Best wishes, Dave
On this forum, Chuck, aka Blueberry Hill, had a set of trains that was in a flood. They were really messed up. He cleaned them and got them to run. Check in with him with an email and he might know where is posting with photos of the before and after are located.
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
Thanks for lead, Buckeye Riveter, will do! Dave
Buckeye Riveter On this forum, Chuck, aka Blueberry Hill, had a set of trains that was in a flood. They were really messed up. He cleaned them and got them to run. Check in with him with an email and he might know where is posting with photos of the before and after are located.
CB.....if you have a problem reaching Chuck (Blueberry Hill) about the mold issue, it is because he is diligently working on some PT and may be temporarily "tied up." If you post something on the Coffee Pot thread, you might catch his attention and can also see photos of him torturing himself on some of the exercise equipment under the close supervision of a member of the staff.
Besides the paint, you also have to be concerned with the lettering and numbers.
Jack
To safely remove white mildew from your F-3 shells, apply some Crisco vegetable oil or shortening, whichever you happen to have on hand, directly to the mildew and wipe off. Something in the Crisco kills the mildew.
Robert
http://www.robertstrains.com/
Wow, who would have thought of Crisco!? Reminds me of a Jerry Seinfeld routine where he ponder the question: "Who first thought of making glue out of horses?"
Anyway, the Crisco did the trick. Now, however, when I run the F3's I have this urge to buy a bucket of fried chicken!
Thanks, Robert.
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