How far is too far with regards to cleaning tin litho?

Dennis HollerOGR Forum Member

So I got these JEP tin litho cars in the post and I knew they were bad when I pulled the trigger, and they were pretty bad lol. Anyway, I'm in the process of repainting the roofs and bases and trying to clean/polish the sides. To this point I have spent a bit of time with a bottle of Turtle wax, a rag, and the car sides. The Red car is showing the most promise (ie most time spent). I guess my question is, how much scrubbing/polishing can these litho shells take? I have not rubbed through yet, but I have scrubbed the heck out of at least the red car. It does look a lot better, actually the pictures do not do that justice. Anyone had any experience with these, do you think I can take this a bit further or should I leave it as is? Again the Red car is the one with the most time spent, the others have had some work and are show for reference/comparison.

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2/14/177:52 AM

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C W BurfleOGR Forum Member

Check for color coming off on your rag.

I would only do minimal cleaning on anything lithographed. Some lithography will come off very easily.

I don't know for certain, but Turtle wax should not have any abrasives.
By definition, all polishes do have abrasives, but they can be quite fine.

I like Butchers wax, and I have tried Zymol car polish here and there.
Wouldn't use the Zymol on lithography.

I've ruined a few pieces in my time

2/14/178:05 AM

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sncf231eOGR Forum Member

The red postal car already looks good; I do not think you should try much further. See for comparison: https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...66#63654680861547066

Regards

Fred

2/14/178:40 AM

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Chris LoneroOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I agree with the others. Once the litho is gone it's gone! I would stop at this point.

2/14/1712:11 PM

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FRENCHTRAINSOGR Forum Member

Dennis, i wouldn't try to polish more, a nice age patina is so much better than a destroyed litho. Just try to repaint the bases and roofs with a not too shiny paint and you will have a nice eighty year old set, and next step maybe finding an engine in a similar condition.

Daniel.

2/14/171:03 PM

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Chris LoneroOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

This is an American Flyer litho station I did. I repainted the roof and base and gave the litho a clear coat.

2/14/171:13 PM

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SteamerOGR Forum Member

agreed wit the others Dennis. I'd stop now. they look pretty good as is.

2/14/172:01 PM

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Dennis HollerOGR Forum Member

Ok great! Thanks guys! I'll hold up on the Red car and try to get the other two to a similar state. As far as an engine, I'm looking there are lots of choices I think, streamlined or not, steam, diesel, or electric. We'll see what turns up! For now, I'll try to get these back together and go from there.

2/14/174:51 PM

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SteamerOGR Forum Member

eek you said the D word......you know what happens now....