Cleaning your models?

[nkp_174]

Late in high school, I noticed that my Rivarossi berk was missing the white stripe midway down the running board. It had it when it was new. Where'd it go??? The oil on my fingers slowly dissolved it. I painted a new stripe back on it, and now I only pick up my locomotives by their cylinders or trailing trucks...or the rods if they are sturdy enough. Similarly, I prefer to pick up cars by the trucks. Since becoming aware of the problem, I've noticed that a number of my older locomotives and cars are missing lettering where I used to pick them up. Further, I NEVER touch any models without washing my hands first.

On a similar note, guitars can suffer the same fate. Never let anyone touch a nice guitar without washing their hands and wearing a shirt, preferably long sleeved and no zippers!

By never getting much oil on the trains, they don't collect dust as badly (having kept them in boxes, a china cabinet, or in a room with a drop ceiling also helps!).