Cleaning Your Model Trains

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Tips for Maintaining Your Model Train | Colletts Model Trains

If you build or collect model trains, you may have realized how tedious cleaning can be. Your trains can collect a fair amount of dust over the years when left unattended. Removing particles can be difficult and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be.

Soap

When grime gets caked onto your model train, you’ll need to use the right liquid chemicals and apply them carefully. The wrong soap can cause the plastic and paint to peel. When mixing soap and water, you should go for a 1% solution. You should start as mild as possible, then add soap in small increments if you have to. Wet a towel just a little bit and apply the solution, then wipe the train’s crevices slowly.

Brushes and Air Compressors

You can use a soft-haired brush to get rid of loose dust. Some parts of your train may be delicate, so you shouldn’t brush too hard. Keeping the brush dry should protect electrical parts. When brushing, you can start at the top of the train’s body and then work your way down while brushing. Air compressor products Florida can help you with getting into tight crevices without damaging anything.

Special Cleaning

Dirt doesn’t only affect your model’s aesthetic quality, but it can ruin its functionality. Problems especially occur when dirt accumulates on a train’s wheels, as hindered wheels can easily get derailed. You can cover a track with a soap-soaked paper towel and then drag the cars across it. When you wipe the locomotives, you should be extra careful with electrical pick-ups. A knife or screwdriver can help with peeling off excess grime, but be gentle.

You should check on your model trains to ensure dirt and dust aren’t building up. The longer you wait, the trickier it might be to clean certain details. The right follow-through will help you enjoy your hobby without running into difficulty.