Cleaning alumimum pass.cars

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

The Doctor Is In! I am as some of you folk know have been buying Lionel #2500 series passenger cars. I want to clean the cars, what is the best way to clean them? I plan to strip the cars and just clean the shells. Any tips?

Till My Next Missive, I Remain The Humble Yet Strangly Evil Doctor!

[Jumijo]

Three ideas spring to mind:

1. Soap and water

2. Automotive polishing compound and a damp rag

3. Aluminum polish (such as a mag wheel cleaner)

I've had great success polishing 2400 series cars with auto polishing compound, but they are painted plastic shells.

Jim 

[Sturgeon-Phish]

I have the 660-662 passenger series and when I got them they were tarnished with scratches.  I used aluminum mag wheel cleaner, and patience and they cleaned right up.  Took care of scratches and shine like new!

Jim 

[sulafool]

Nevr Dull Magic Wadding Polish; comes in a can, and is like using a cotton ball. Not abrasive and the residue is easy to wipe off, unlike the paste type polishes. Also great on lightly rusted surfaces.