Hello all. I was just wanting some advice on cleaning the overall apearence of our locomotives. They have gathered a bit of dust over the years and I want to remove it without damaging the fine details. I was contemlating one of those compressed air canisters they use for cleaning a PC. I was wondering what your thoughts are? Any good methods?
JJF
Prototypically modeling the Great Northern in Minnesota with just a hint of freelancing.
Yesterday is History.
Tomorrow is a Mystery.
But today is a Gift, that is why it is called the Present.
I use a very fine (soft) paint brush. Some parts will withstand the pressure of the canned air, some won't.
Mike.
My You Tube
Woodland scenics makes a product called Dust Dabbers that I was so impressed with I bought a backup jar.
I use a make-up brush, the ones used for powders I think. For the more serious situations, I do a quick dunk under the faucet and let it dry thoroughly. For BB diesels, I take off the shells, which are easily removable. I have had to re-do the coal on some of my tenders because of accumulated dirt.
Simon
JDawg I was contemlating one of those compressed air canisters they use for cleaning a PC.
Those work OK, but the pressure/velocity can be a bit high when the cans are new and warm.
I use an air nozzle regulated to 30 PSI, and a long soft bristle brush. The air nozzle for cleaning is a permanent part of the paint booth.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I'll be the unconventional voice here.
Getting dust out of etched metal steps and walkways is a PITA.
If its a loco, take off the shell and run it under the hot water faucet.
If the model is rolling stock or doesn't have a speaker, its okay to not take the shell off first. Its just a bunch of metal and plastic and dries out fine.
- Douglas
If you have dabbled in photography, you will have a puffer with a brush attachment that you use to clean lenses. Works just as well on models without the hurricane blast of canned air.
I use a makeup brush and a small vac.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
I use hobby paint brushes and a small hobby dusting brush that looks like a barber's shaving cream applicator.
I have an aerosol can of air, but I would not not recommend it for use on locomotives rolling stock that have delicately applied details.
Rich
Alton Junction
Soft camel hair brush and a lungful of air. Latter expelled, not taken in.
Using a small brush dampened with water gets the dust out of spots that just brushing doesn't clean well. Underneath horns, in step corners, behind grabirons, under running boards, etc.
While I've not had to clean my locos, perhaps you can use a soft hair brush. The one I'm talking about is isimilar to what hair folks use to remove hair off after a cut. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Diane-D9850-Neck-Duster/dp/B006YFCHSS/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=soft+brush+for+dust&qid=1641526041&sprefix=soft+brush+for+dust%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-5