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Train Restoration

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  • Member since
    April 2003
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 5, 2006 2:32 PM
If they are plastic (actually not plastic plastic, but a type of vinyl or something I think), then this is a very common problem and very easy to fix. Just blow warm air from a hair dryer on them and the white stuff will start to flake and will rub off quite easily. The type of trucks this happens to are the Scout-type ones.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: US
  • 108 posts
Posted by iguanaman3 on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 2:29 PM
The white residue is caused by oxidation of the zinc die-cast truck sides. I spray them down with WD-40 then brush with an old toothbrush. They usually come out like new.

Neil
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Crystal Lake, IL
  • 8,059 posts
Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 2:03 PM
Welcome jcjpb! I'd have more questions than answers unfortunately. Are the trucks metal or plastic or rather, where is the white residue?
I can only guess that it might be mildew, mold or even rust. An easy solution would be to just replace the trucks completely. If the former, they might be cleanable.

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Train Restoration
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 12:30 PM
The trucks on several of my Lionel freight cars have a white residue on them. They were exposed to a wet environment. Any tips on how to remove these deposits? Thanks

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