Cleaning postwar engines?

[Anonymous]

This is my first post since discovering this web site so hello to everyone! Anyway , does anyone know other than soap and water what will take the dirt and grim off my lionel steam engine?
A subcontractor friend of mine that does remodeling acually found this engine cased in the wall of a old house. Its amazing what treasures some old houses have in their walls.

[Blueberryhill RR]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM boogie1 !!!!!!!!!!

I use cool water and Ivory soap to wa***rains. I had a lot caught
in a flood. It will not take the lettering off. Maybe someone else has
a stronger formula.

Chuck

[dwiemer]

Welcome to the forum. You will find a number of knowledgabel folks here. As to your question, make sure you are carefull around the lettering when cleaning. That said, some will use WD-40 after the soap and water cleaning. Since this was found in a wall, I suggest that the engine was not in the best storage, also, you don't have any history about it's condition prior to the wall. I would suggest that you take it apart and do a thorough cleaning and lubrication. Then, get some new brushes and get her back to running. Be sure to take pictures as you take it apart and keep a good record of what goes where. Olsen toy train parts, has a good web site with break-downs of most of Lionel's engines, so that may help. Be sure that when you put the train back together that the brushes don't get oiled.
When you get a chance, please post the engine number and perhaps we can fill you in on specifics. good luck.
Dennis

[Anonymous]

I cleaned the engine with soap and water and after taking it apart. The engine is in good shape other than dirty. The soap and water helped alittle. I had thought about simple green or some other strong degreaser but am alittle afraid of what it might do.

[dwiemer]

I think simple green would be fine for most of it, but stay away from the numbers. You can also try lighter fluid, or some Goo Gone which I believe is just Toluene. Use a old toothbrush and get into the nooks and crannies with it. Then, again with the soap and water and WD-40. Some suggest using Pledge furniture polish afterward to keep the dust off it.
What number engine is it?
Dennis

[Anonymous]

I believe 2025

[dwiemer]

I have one, great runner and very good looking. I think you will be fine with the information above. If you look up Olsen's Train parts on the web, they have a section called "Library". If you go there, it will have PDF files with diagrams and a list of parts. I think they charge a $10.00 handling fee, so have your list together for any parts you need if you are placing an order, you don't want to have to have separate orders.
Good Luck and Great find.
Dennis