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
ironman10
Hello & Welcome to the Forum!
I am happy to hear that you chose to clean the 226e rather than "restore" it..
I prefer the previously loved look of my trains, some of them almost 100 years old.
I use Meguars(sp?) cleaner & polish on my tin plate & plastic trains that simple soap and water won't clean up well enough.
I have used a clear matt finish on older trains to protect what original paint/lithograph is left and/or to add a protective layer over other blackened or painted parts.
Applying an oil based product to any finished area, while acting as an anti corrosion agent will also attract and collect dust. (natural weathering)
Hopefully this is of some help, my suggestions are based on my experiences.
Any others willing to chime in with suggestions or experiences?
Happy Rails!
Dave