Maybe we should change the focus and talk about maintaining these tinplate treasures which were marvels of technology "back in the day."
Besides the usual oiling/greasing, I like my Goo Gone.I know my use of Goo Gone on wheels and track is not favored by some others, but I usually don't have any modern locomotives running that have traction tires and I've had good results. A little Goo Gone on the armature plate on a Q-tip helps clean it, too.
Any other methods you folks use? Hope your locomotives are as easy as my steam switchers are to maintain.
Tom
Goo gone, just maybe
. NOT Goof Off!
Which might work better on track, but is aggressive, paint peeling, nasty fume, stuff.
I might worry about long term citrus acid damage, the possibility of the oil getting under & lifting, or penetrating paint/winding coatings. But I know it "does all the work" & gives you a great shine
. (what me worry?
)
My Grandfather mechanically cleaned a locomotive with naptha &/or oil avoiding the brushes & windings. Then left it at least overnight on a cloth diaper. Excesses on wheels, lower frame edges, etc., wiped clean again. Driver treads got naptha, or alcohol. He compared it to cleaning his Garand ("it was grand Grarnd ta ga-rand wit"[go-round]
)
On finishes, I cleaned the dust once, or twice a year, mostly with a dry, but sometimes lightly dampened, soft bristle 1-2" paint brush. Once cleaned "the card" was checked for maintenance dates, & maybe waxed, or whatever the former owner used. Pledge, oil, Turtle Wax, even some "Future" was involved. Whatever the original owner used, my Gramps often continued. (everything was on cards, including former owners names addresses, prices etc.[I wonder if he was running a pawn, or "care" & resale service of sorts? He would sell them back to folks, & call/write near every time before he resold things. Time to reconsider? An old TCA courtesy maybe?])
