need some advice

[atucker53]

Can someone give me some advice? I just recieved a Lionel passenger set from my father. the set is over 40 years old.... still runs GREAT...BUT they have not seen the light of day since March of 1969. What can i use to clean them up a bit without ruining them?

 

[Livesteam]

is there just dust on it? if you have a air compressor you can use that if not i would just use a dry towel, anyone eles know/?

 

[atucker53]

there is a good bit of dust but some stains.... also the engine had a battery in it and my father didn't realize it. the battery ran the horn... ya the battery broke... i was thinking of using keyboard duster... the little can of compressed air for the dust.

 

[Muddy Creek]

Not an expert on Lionel but I believe some cleaning and lube of the loco might be in order.

How much damage did the leaking battery do?

(Welcome to The Gauge)

Wayne

 

[atucker53]

I have some battery acid on the bottom and left side of the loco..... took it to two hobby shops and got told not much they can do for it. it still runs REALLY well. Just don't have a horn.

 

[atucker53]

also if anyone knows where i could find a company or person that can make a plexi glass cover.... So i can place the set on a shelf, on track.... it is a very priceless set and is going to be passed down through the family.... measurements 5.5 feet long by 4.5 inches high by 5 inches wide.......

 

[Dave Farquhar]

Man, I wish I'd seen this thread sooner. The best way to clean old Lionel rolling stock is with a soft paintbrush. Brush the dust away. Some Lionel paints are a lot less stable than others (red is notoriously unstable) so never, ever use any type of cleaner at all on red. Unpainted Lionel cars can be cleaned with water and a little bit of mild hand soap (such as Dove).

Battery acid can be cleaned off with a toothbrush and a penetrating oil, such as WD-40.