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How to Clean Brass Locomotives

Model railroads have used different materials to construct the locomotive through the years. An HO scale (HO refers to a scale of model railroads) locomotive made from brass will be heavier and more durable than one made from plastic material. A tarnished section of the brass can be cleaned to restore its natural look. This requires the same care and attention to detail, as would be the case for polishing any brass object that can be easily scratched. Supplies from a hardware store will be needed, as will tools commonly found around the home.

Things You'll Need

Newspaper
Compressed-air spray can
Feather duster
Jeweler's rouge
Soft cloth
Cotton swab

Instructions

- 1
  Place sheets of newspaper on a work surface. Place the model brass locomotive right side up on the newspaper with the front facing right.
- 2
  Blow off the side of the locomotive with bursts of compressed air from the compressed air spray can. Rotate the front of the engine a quarter turn counterclockwise. Blow off the back of the locomotive with the compressed air.
- 3
  Rotate the front of the engine another quarter-turn counterclockwise and blow off the side with compressed air. Rotate the front of the engine another quarter-turn counterclockwise and blow off the front with compressed air.
- 4
  Rotate the front a quarter-turn counterclockwise to return the front so it faces let. Brush off the side with the feather duster. Repeat the procedure of rotating the front of the locomotive a quarter-turn counterclockwise, using the feather duster instead of compressed air.
- 5
  Apply jeweler̵7;s rouge to an edge of a soft cloth. Press the edge of the cloth against the side of the locomotive where the brass has been tarnished.
- 6
  Rub against the locomotive with a firm circular motion that stays within the tarnished area. Continue to do this for one minute before stopping. Inspect the area to see if the tarnish is gone. If the tarnish is still visible, apply jeweler̵7;s rouge to another edge of the cloth and repeat the procedure.
- 7
  Rotate the locomotive so that the other side, front or back faces you if there is tarnish on it. Repeat the procedure just completed on the side to remove the tarnish.
- 8
  Remove any rouge that is still on the locomotive with the tip of a water-moistened cotton swab.

Model Railroads