Model Train Journal

Been packing some stuff up to clear room on the layout. Gave the Lionel 225E and a drag of 600-series coaches a spin around the outer loop:



The E-unit was acting a bit wonky this AM...likely needs a good cleaning.

Otherwise, not much going on. Saw the first gaggle of Canadian geese (I presume they are still called that) come in last night on the museum pond. Not too many, maybe forty or so. First sign of fall here.

What's the recommended technique for restoring a bit of shine to postwar Lionel locomotives? Back in the day, I recall folks advocating a light application of Future floor wax (or some other brand, can't remember)...is that still a good option, or are there better materials available now?

healey36 wrote:What's the recommended technique for restoring a bit of shine to postwar Lionel locomotives? Back in the day, I recall folks advocating a light application of Future floor wax (or some other brand, can't remember)...is that still a good option, or are there better materials available now?

I think this is another instance of two hobbies running together in my addled brain, lol. I think Future Floor Wax is a recommended treatment for shining up the clear plastic used for model airplane canopies. Over on one of the other forums, they tell me using Pledge Furniture Polish is what is used to restore a semi-gloss sheen to postwar Lionel paint.

Someone said Future has been discontinued, but Pledge is still available (although the lemon-scented version can be a bit off-putting). I've got a spare 2037 boiler casting around here somewhere...might experiment on that.

healey36 wrote:........Future Floor Wax.........

Seem that I recall it was rebranded as Pledge Floor product. I'd bet that there are several alternatives out there...

Rufus T. Firefly wrote:

healey36 wrote:........Future Floor Wax.........

Seem that I recall it was rebranded as Pledge Floor product. I'd bet that there are several alternatives out there...

Yes, SC Johnson’s “Future” floor polish was officially renamed Pledge Floor Gloss on May 1, 2018. This change came with new packaging and branding, though the product’s formula remained the same for modelers and hobbyists. SC Johnson shifted to the Pledge brand for consistency with its other household products. Pledge products are available at many food and home outlets.

Source: https://finescale.com/how-to/tips/2018/ ... -new-name/

Thanks for that, Wayne and Rufus. Next time over to the store I’ll look for Pledge products.