Lionel Passenger Car Restoration - Part 5: Trucks and Polishing

Ever wanted to make an old, beat-up tinplate train look like new? Here's how! To demonstrate each step, I'm using an old Lionel 700 series passenger car.
The trucks are one of the most complex parts when it comes to cleaning, because they also have to function well. Just one poor rolling car can put a lot of additional stress on the engine, causing poor performance and higher levels of heat. Too much heat can damage the motor.
When it comes to detail, polishing the metal trim parts on these old tinplate trains makes a gigantic difference in appearance. On engines and cars with a lot of trim especially, polishing the metal is one of the things that will really make them stand out from the rest.

[@DarthSantaFe]

Thanks!
It's easiest to find old cars like these in auctions (like eBay) and at train shows, or anywhere someone might be trying to get rid of an old train collection. I just happen to be contacted by someone who had these cars but didn't have time to restore them, and he offered to sell them to me. With the end results, I think they were worth it. :D

[@FlipFlopandFly]

Looks brand new!!! Great video

[@DarthSantaFe]

You're welcome! I'm glad my videos have been helpful! :D
I put the wheel over a long screw, and then tightened the dremel onto the screw. Then, I could tighten the screw down over the wheel. It left minor thread marks in the chuck, but it didn't affect the tool's operation at all. The sandpaper is fine 600 grit, which you can find in large sheets in the automotive department at a store that carries that stuff.

[@ACLTony]

The difference is like night and day! The finished results make the truck look virtually, brand new.

[@11computersrock11]

WOW!!!=D awesome job=d im working on a small 50year old electric train right now=D

[@adamdennis5617]

Acetone work really good to clean up that black residue even in the small little nooks and crannies and still keep your polish shine

[@DarthSantaFe]

Thanks! I just now noticed your comment. Finding Lionel passenger cars cheaply (even if restoration is needed) can be difficult, depending on the model. The 710 series I restored here is more difficult to find, and is expensive because of that. The 607 and 608 cars are more common and can be found for $25 to $50 each on eBay or at train shows, and look great with the 252 Electric in front.

[@DarthSantaFe]

And if your budget is real tight, the small 529 and 530 passenger cars can be found for $15 to $30 each, and are commonly pulled by the 248. So basically, think $200 total for the small set (parts may be needed!), $300 for a medium set, and $500 for a large set like mine. Remember to take your time and do things right, and you'll have a great passenger train for display or running!

[@tryan1975]

I just wanted to thank you for posting these. They have been very helpful in getting me started. How do you get the wheel to stay in the dremel while you clean it? What type of sandpaper are you using? Real fine stuff?

[@40belowful]

a bottle of MS70 from your local coin shop will clean brass, copper, Nickle, silver and gold with just a small amount applied with a q tip then wash with water:)

[@DarthSantaFe]

+40belowful Thanks for the tip! I've used the similar Tarn-X on silver before, but never thought to use it on copper or nickel.

[@MrBearCatStew]

Ok, thanks!

[@seberry99]

sweet video dude. i am trying to do something like that! do you know where i could find cheap lionel cars in need of restoration?

[@MrBearCatStew]

Hey Darth, I'm trying to replace the spring on a 6467 caboose's truck. Any chance you'd be interested in posting a how-to for that?

[@DarthSantaFe]

Sorry, I don't really know much about Lionel trains newer than these. :( The guys on the Classic Toy Trains forum may be able to help, though.