How to Clean Model Trains

Remove your locomotive from the track, and take off the outer casing or shell. Examine the interior parts to determine whether they are made of metal or plastic.

Attach the small plastic straw that was provided with your compressed air to the nose of the can, and shake the can well. After a few minutes of shaking, point the straw at the train.

Hold the can 4 to 6 inches away from the train, depress the button at the top of the can and move the high-pressured stream of air evenly over the train wheels, gears and small, moving parts to rid them of any dust and debris. Turn the train over and repeat this process on all sides.

Attach the provided straw to a can of metal or plastic lubricant. Hold the can about 3 to 4 inches from the train's wheels and gears. Spray a fine stream on the moving parts of the train. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess lubricant.

Replace the outer cover, or shell, of the train. Dip a toddler- or child-sized toothbrush into a container of diluted, mild soapy water or train cleansing solution from your local model train store. Gently and lightly brush the outside of the train to remove any grime or dirt. Dry off the train with another clean, dry cloth.

Repeat these steps for each train that you need to clean. Repeat this cleaning process annually, or semi-annually if you run your trains multiple days per week, to keep them clean and running smoothly.