Cleaning Classic die-cast & plastic

[Anonymous]

I recently received my father's 1956 Lionel steam loco and a few cars.  What would be safe products to use to remove some of the dust and grime its accumulated over the years without harming the 50 year old paint?  I'm not looking to disassemble them, just a light once over so they can be displayed when not running.  Is it advisable to use 70% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip on two of the cars that are Lionel red painted plastic?  I read from CTT that for some reason the Lionel Red paint can be a very fragile.

[mpzpw3]

I would first just use warm water and a little hand -cleaning. If that doesn't work, a little pledge sprayed into a rag and lightly wiped on. Warm water first, than warm soapy water, and then go to the chemical cleaners. I think just water will work the best.

[alexweiihman]

remember if you wash the train do not rub the decals.

[Dave Farquhar]

STEP AWAY FROM THE RED CAR AND PUT DOWN THE Q-TIP! Sorry about the shout, but alcohol is absolutely, positively not safe to use on red paint. I once washed a poor-condition red car under the faucet, and just plain old water was enough to wash away the paint. (No loss, the car was partially melted, but it made for a good experiment.) Dust the car with a soft paintbrush and do no more, or you'll just make the car a lot worse.

 I wouldn't use alcohol at all, on any paint. Try a little water on a cotton swab, and if it still won't come off, add a little mild hand soap, like Ivory.

[msacco]

Dave is certainly right. alcohol will soften train paint for sure!

 

Mike S.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the red paint advice.  Upon further review I'm starting to question if it is red paint at all, or a molded red body.  Its a #6257 Caboose which according to postwarlionel.com was a unpainted molded red body in 1955 & 1956.  This is an original owner starter set which I've all but dated to 1956.  Would it be safe to use warm water and/or warm water + hand soap on a molded red body?

[Dave Farquhar]

Some of the 6257s were painted and others weren't. As long as you're sure it's molded red and not painted, it's safe to clean with soap and water. I have several red cabooses molded in red plastic and had no problems cleaning them that way.