Cleaning a like new Plus 2333 New York Central with mildew

You are going to have to get rid of the white moldy substance which I think is a mold release agent, try a clean rag and warm soapy water, being careful around the decals.  Then buff carefully with a nice clean cotton cloth...

Marty

If it is mold release compound (highly likely), it can be melted with hot air from a hair dryer and wiped away with a clean, dry cloth.
Just don't overheat the shell and damage it.

Edit: After looking more carefully at the photos, sorry to write that I suspect that the paint has faded / discolored unevenly. The white areas do not look like mold release compound to me.

Good luck, please let us know how things turn out.

The natural degradation of the NYC medium grey finish differs from most Lionel paint jobs from the same era.  Aging produces a waxy, dull texture that, from my experience, doesn't respond well to normal mild cleaning.  The dirt binds to the surface like glue. Even though the finish feels tacky, it does seem durable and can handle most harsh liquid cleansers.  It's the waxy surface that ends up looking blotchy after the dirt is removed.  I found it necessary to polish the finish with a short bristled brush after it was dry to resort an even, satin sheen.  As usual, I caution using all but the mildest cleansers on other painted or decalled decorations.  Spit works just as good on details in most cases.

Bruce

I  had this same condition on both my NYC and Southern postwar F3's. By pure accident, I found a way to get rid of it. One day a drop of lubricating oil fell on the roof of my NYC 2354. When I went to wipe it off with a clean dry cloth, I noticed that it removed this white substance. So, I kept going until the whole thing looked beautiful. I gently polished until the oil was gone, leaving a nice satin finish without any residue. I thought that perhaps the white would come back and look splotchy  after a while, but it has been about 4 years and they still look great.

GregR posted:

I  had this same condition on both my NYC and Southern postwar F3's. By pure accident, I found a way to get rid of it. One day a drop of lubricating oil fell on the roof of my NYC 2354. When I went to wipe it off with a clean dry cloth, I noticed that it removed this white substance. So, I kept going until the whole thing looked beautiful. I gently polished until the oil was gone, leaving a nice satin finish without any residue. I thought that perhaps the white would come back and look splotchy  after a while, but it has been about 4 years and they still look great.

Much like the results with Marvel Mystery Oil.

I'd try some MegaSteam bGone cleaner.  It's very gentle and won't harm any lettering.  You just apply it with a microfiber cloth and rub gently.

Johnsgg1 posted:

GregR posted:

I  had this same condition on both my NYC and Southern postwar F3's. By pure accident, I found a way to get rid of it. One day a drop of lubricating oil fell on the roof of my NYC 2354. When I went to wipe it off with a clean dry cloth, I noticed that it removed this white substance. So, I kept going until the whole thing looked beautiful. I gently polished until the oil was gone, leaving a nice satin finish without any residue. I thought that perhaps the white would come back and look splotchy  after a while, but it has been about 4 years and they still look great.

Much like the results with Marvel Mystery Oil.

I'll second the Mystery Oil...

Thanks guys!!!!!!

Jerry