I just picked up 2 box fulls of prewar accessories. They had been played with hard, and then poorly stored in a damp basement. In there was a 1938 97 coal loader, with it's matching 3659 dump car. I have pulled them all apart, and began a full restoration on both.
I only have one problem: the base to the 97 and the mechanism housing on the dump car (both Bakelite) are almost completely covered in white spots (I'm assuming it's mold). It will not come off no matter what I do. Is there a secret to getting it off?
Trevor
trevor I know this isn't much help but I have heard of a way but can't for the life of me remember. I think it had something to do with baking soda
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Trevor,
Try warming the white spots with a hair dryer and wiping with a rag once warm. The white spots could be a molding release agent that has risen to the surface of the bakelite.
I have always heard the hair dryer is the thing.
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Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
Trevor these sound like Lionel pieces? I'm not familiar with them. Are they confirmed as Bakelite? You can do this on your own by warming the piece up with a hair dryer or under hot water and seeing if it emits a Formaldehyde odor. If it does, it is bakelite.. if it doesn't you could have another plastic compound. On many early plastics the plasticizers would leach out leaving a white residue that resembles mold. This is especially true of early American Flyer wheels, link couplers and even the cows in the automatic loading cattle yard. As suggested this residue is very easy to remove by simply heating until it appears to liquify and then polish it to a shine with a dry cloth. I'd be a little careful with true bakelite. This residue you are seeing could actually be mold. I have used a mild liquid metal polish to restore the luster to some old bakelite items. On a few Seeburg teardrop speakers I've had over the years and a few bakelite radios, once the original top luster is compromised there is just no bringing it back. Whatever you do start in an inconspicuous area and test.. warming with a hair dryer won't hurt. If it liquifies the white stuff you're good. If not try the polish in a small area out of sight.
Lover of all things Gilbert, truly a man ahead of his time.
It's definitely Bakelite, but I haven't tried anything yet because I was waiting for more opinions. And yes, they are Lionel.
Ray
Bayville, NJ
Life is what happens to youWhile you're busy making other plans - John Lennon
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