protecting prewar paint?

[Anonymous]

I have about 60 prewar Lionel and several Marx cars that are all in good or better shape. I always clean a car when I first get them, and try to keep everything original. I keep wanting to fini***he cleaning by putting on a thin coat of carnuba wax with no cleaning compound. I am interested in preserving the original finish. I have resisted doing so yet, as I want some expert opinion as to if this is acceptable, and will it hurt in any way. I would appreciate any advice on this, Thanks ***

[tjsprague]

The most important thing I've learned about the prewar paint is keep water away from it.

For cleaning I use McGuire's No.7 liquid auto polish. It has a very fine grit to it. I work it into the dirty spots with my finger tip, then clean off with a clean cloth. Repeat as needed, but never rub too hard. The prewar paint is pretty thick but as you go down through the layers, the color changes somewhat.

for maintanance, I use Pledge furniture polish in the non-aerosol pump bottle.

hard to say what anything will do over the years, but water and hard rubbing will surely harm them now.

Good luck.

Tim

[Anonymous]

I've always used pledge. Never dared trying anything else. Secretly, i kinda like the dirt, goes with their history. I'm wierd though.....Good Luck.

[Anonymous]

Be very carefull in handling the diecast stuff. I had a fellow bring me a grey scale hudson that he want me to repaint the boiler front on.
Lucky I informed him that he would have to bring the loco to me and take the boiler front out for me.
You see, after he removed the screw and started to take the boiler front out, it crumbled into 3 pieces in his hand. Now, how would I have replaced it if I did it.
Just a warning to handle with care and if it looks good leave it on the shelf and keep it in a warm DRY climate.
Dave.