cleaning old F-3's

[hopeful]

Not long ago I unpacked and old Lionel collections that has been boxed away for over 40 years.  All rolling stock has survived well, however the power units seem to be displaying some sort of a moldy discoloration. I tryed using a damp soft cloth on the shell after which when dried the discoloration reappeared. I would be thankful for any help pretaining to cleaning these power units.

[mdainsd]

be careful, even with soft damp towels. depending on what you have the lettering can be damaged.

which road name and number are on the locomotives?

im guessing 2333 NYC or same number 2333 santa fe

[jwse30]

I'd like to say welcome to the forum! It's a shame your first post is such a bummer. Whatever advice you get on this issue, I'd give a few days to wait and see if anyone else can agree or disagree with it. Cleaning plastic is tricky, as the stuff that cleans really well may melt the plastic.  I would think that the model number or the roadname might be useful information as to what type of cleaner would work. Also is it just on the shell, or is it on the metal parts as well? 

Could it possibly be that the units were stored wrapped in newspaper and they have ink on them? If not, what were they stored in? This might tell someone what is discoloring your items.

I think I'd start by using a big bowl of soapy water and let then soak for a few days, gently rinse them, and let air dry. Like I said, wait a while on that advice and see what others say.  It worked on a few die cast metal steamers I obtained, but that's an apples to oranges comparison.

Hope some of this helps,

J White

 

 

[Buckeye Riveter]

Chuck, aka Blueberry, posted a series of photographs not long ago about cleaning his equipment that was under flood waters.  Anyone know where to find his posting?

[chuck]

I'm not sure about soaking F-3 shells in water if they have water slide decals on them.  Which model F-3's do you have?

[initagain]

 

This problem is common on plastic-shell locomotives from the 50's, assuming that you are describing a "whitish" type of mold discoloration.  I have had 2023 union pacific alcos, 2344 NYC F-3s, and a couple of GP-9s that had this problem.  You see it a lot on the old scout-type truck sides as well.  First, wash the shells with liquid soap and water.  Go easy on the soap.  Make sure the shells are dry.  The whitish mold will still show.  Take a soft toothbrush, put a couple of drops of light machine oil on it, let it soak into the bristles, then gently wipe off the excess from the brush.  Use the brush in gentle circular motions all over the shell so that there is an ultra-thin coating of oil left behind.  The mold will disappear.  Collectors are probably going to pull their hair out reading this, but it works.  I've had plastic locos and cars for years after having done this, and it hasn't melted the plastic, or removed or discolored the graphics.  Just be careful not to overdo it with the oil.  Try it on a small spot first, if you're unsure.

 

[hopeful]

First of all let me say thanks to those who replyed, it helps to build a base from which to work from.  Also to those who asked, the units are NYC, and SF.