That is the governor, which keeps the engine from running too fast. The weight is made of Zamac (a soft zinc alloy), so there will almost always be a gray ring around the inside of the governor's drum where it rubs. I wouldn't worry about cleaning it unless the locomotive runs so fast that it flies off the curves. If it does need cleaning, a Q-tip and alcohol will generally do the trick... just make sure not to leave any fibers behind when you are done.
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