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Dusty Locomotives and Cars
Wayne asks:
“Some of my older locos are quite dusty, especially in the hard to get at places. What’s the best way to clean them – an aerosol air in a can like they use on computer keyboards?”
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I use a soft paint brush.
Robert
A soft brush with a puffer bowl as used for cleaning camera ? lenses
Use a soft bristle toothbrush ( preferably a used one ) and just brush off the tops of the rolling stock. Dust on the side is for the weathering.
Dust is a natural occurrence. Leave them dusty gives them a natural look!
I don’t recommend using compressed air since it could force dust particles deeper into gears and bearings and, thus, causing ore problems. There are dusting “gels” that can be used by just dabbing on the dusty areas. best of all, in my opinion, is a simple long bristle, semi-soft brush and a vacuum nozzle held nearby. The brush to loosen the dust and the vacuum to take it away. If necessary, disassemble the loco and clean it.
I use old fashion shaving brush – was used to apply soap before razor applied. Long soft fibers. Shaving brush covers big area but is stiff enough to get into nooks and crannies. Got mine from my barber.
Wife has many suitable cosmetic application brushes.