There are a couple of freight cars on the layout that have been sitting there for years collecting dust. Every once in awhile I use a super fine bristle paint brush and clean off the majority of the dust, but it doesn't get all of it. The two cars in question are both narrow gauge (i.e. very fine parts), they are built and painted, but not lettered. How would you go about CAREFULLY cleaning them if you decided to decal and clear coat them? The dust needs to all be removed, but I don't want to break anything. I've thought about soaking them in warm, soapy water and rinsing them, but our country tap water leaves a tiny bit of white residue on glasses if they air dry after washing. Any ideas are appreciated.
What about a can of compressed air? You can get air dusters for electronics. Another option is to use your airbrush. Before painting, I sometimes use my empty airbrush to blow off the model or dry if off if I washed it beforehand.
Soaking in soapy water sounds like a good bet. To avoid hard water residue pick up a jug of distilled water from the market for the final rinse. I've used that method on sensitive optics, and there's not a single water spot left behind.
Thanks for both responses. My wife keeps distilled water around for ironing clothes. Maybe I'll clean it in soapy water, rinse it with distilled water, and blow off the remaining water with the airbrush. Thanks!!!
I use a fan shaped brush designed to apply make-up, it can be found in drugstores and the cosmetics area of department stores. I brush off my rolling stock a couple times a year with it.
Ya know. A couple years ago I went to Wally World and bought one of those brushes and some small sponges. The lady at the checkout sure gave me a strange look. There are many mixed employees there.
I use slime. Look on Amazon, it's used to clean keyboards, or car vents. It can leave tiny bits behind, but they are easily removed with the tip of a cotton swap - it's not sticky or wet, just gel-like, the surface stays dry, and it removes all dust super fast. The brand I use is colorcoral.
