Hello all, collector of prewar and a bit of postwar Lionel.  I just purchased a Lionel 226 got it for a great price and though I would have to do a repaint however after I got it home and being dirty I took it completely apart and did a mild soap and water cleaning and found only minor pain loss just a nick here and there.  I have been restoring for years but rarely have I come across the need to revitalize a paint finish, the boiler looks great however the finish looks a bit dried out and I am wondering if there is a remedy that has been used successfully by any member.  For example when I restore a steamer boiler/pilot I take it down to bare metal and then chemically blacken it which leave a dull finish I then do a very lite coat of oil and dry brush to a beautiful finish so I'm wondering if someone has done a painted finish.  I believe car wax is out of the question too many nook and crannies so I am leaning to an oil based solution or any other suggestion.

Thanks