Cleaning Post War Trains

@Pup posted:

After cleaning the shells on post war trains is there a coating that you can put on them such as wax ect. Is it best to just clean and leave them as is.

I use Pledge as a once over, very easy on plastic and decals yet offers protection/

Well, my PW rolling stock I leave as-is (the patina seems fine to me), but I did use a light scrub with warm water, then a coat of auto wax after drying for my pre-war tintype M10005  consist:

I've been using Armor All on virtually every one of my post-war engines for the last 35 to 40 years based on a recommendation from Lionel enthusiast the late Roland LaVoie back in the late 1980s.  The stuff works great and has the added advantage of keeping dust off of the shells while they sit on display.  I only use it on engines not plastic rolling stock.    Simply spray it on a dry cloth and rub it on to the shell.  Let it sit for 24 hours and then rub any excess off with a dry cloth.  

I've used Howard Butcher Block Conditioner on my engines after I clean them.
Butcher Block Conditioner is a combination of pure USP grade mineral oil, beeswax, and carnauba wax.

It gives a satin shine so it highlights the color well.  It also safe to handle especially for children.