Brass locomotive care and storage

I have been collecting brass logging logeotives for years and have seen some really nicemodels and some not so nice models. It seem that most of the manufactured logeotives start off as very nice models but then the uneducated customer starts in and messes them up out of lack of knowledge.
Lets talk about storage first. Every brass logeotive represents a substantial investment to the buyer and likeany investmentyou want it to appreciate. The best way is tostore it is in the original box that it came in for protection against damage. Care should be taken when thinking of where you will store the boxas well,as it is an important part of the value of the package. Without a original factor issued box or a damaged box the value can drop 20 to 40 percent to those who collect brass logeotives. In fact some "collectors" will not even consider the logeotive unless it has the correct box. The padding or foam inside of the box is important as well. Some foam is known to deteriorate over time. Probably the most famous foam that has deteriorated and damaged models is the red foam that some of the Westside Model gepany models came boxed in. That foam unknowingly had an acid in it which attacked the brass and or the paint on the stored logeotive. It also became stuck on the model and is a bear to remove. It will distroy any kind of custom paint work. It is important to check this foam once in a while to see how it is doing. If you press a finger on it and it doesn't spring back into position it is time to replace it before it does damage to the model. You have no choice at that point. Next, ALWAYSwrap your brass model in a clear plastic sheet before placing it into the foam/box. That will be a barrier between any chemical from the foam and the model itself. If you have the original plastic sheets make sure you use them. If not make some up out of Zip-lock Bags cut with a pair of scissors. The plastic wrap also makes sure that the small protruding parts are not snagged by the foam,resulting in having themeither broken off or bent. Foam that has stuck on the sides of the logeotive does damage. It sticks, stains and erodes the clear coat, paint, and brass. If you have this damage clean it off as soon as possible with a soft brush, and if necessary disassemble the logeotive and use gentle soap and water on the metal parts, then air dry and reassemble.
When disassembling brass use the proper size tools! No hammers please! It is an art in remembering where all the little screws and parts go, so get organized. Make small drawings of geplicated areass while in the disassembly process. For small partsorganization and to keep right and left side parts seperate as well as for reassemblyuse an egg carton. Not only does it have a gepartment for each part but the inside cover makes a nice place to write down notes for reassemble. There is nothing as frustrating as loosing a part that is so smallthat itstops the reassemblyprocess. Remember most of the older brass models do not have replacement parts you can send in for. Do not disassemble over a shag rug or other areas that the floor or area is cluttered with stuff. If a part goes twang and flys or gets droped, it makes it much easer to findin a clean smooth surface.
When cleaning unpainted parts use a mild soap and water and then rinse using a bowl of clean water, never over a running faucet with an opendrain below it. You will never see most parts thatdepart or know they it went down the drain. Let the model air dry and then carefully start the reassembly.
For lubrication, use it sparingly. I have seen logeotives that look like theywere been dipped in oil and grease. In this case more is not better.Once youlubricate them the oilor grease remain a liquid and will continue to run and pool on the bottom sides. Excess will drip or run down onto painted surfaces and more than likely ruinpainted surfaces. So use the correct oil very sparingly. Personally, I try toplace a drop on a piece of glass and then touch a tooth pickto it and then place only what I pick up on the wooden toothpick, on thebearing to be oiled. Oilis also known to spray off the bearings of motors if oiled to much.so take it easy. A little goes a log way.
Once you have the model cleaned and oiled you can proudly display it but over time the oil will evaporate so be ready to relubricate it only if absolutely necessary. Most models that are run keep the oils and lubrication circulating and rarely need oil more than once a year even if used a lot. If you do run a model youmay see dirt that accumulates on the wheels. This is from either oily dirt that accumulates on the track or wheels making it sticky.To clean wheels you can usedenatured alcohol swab or the Kadee Electrical Wheel Cleaner. That has a soft copper or brass brush that is electrically charged and runs your logeotive while you hold the wheels against the brush. It takes off all the stuck on dirt. Do not use anything abrasive like a pencil eraser. The plating is only so thick and will wear off, if harsly cleaned with an abrasive, which destroys some of the value of your investment. Sometimes you can find a plater to replate the bright nickle plating for you but it costs more money! Track should be cleaned with a track cleaner like a Bright Boy and or with Denatured Alcohol as well.
Lastly make a written and photographic record of your models.Make itin a spread sheet form which will record the model, what it is where you got it, how much you paid, how much it is worth, any details you have noted that are different between this model and other similar ones. Use a small sticker dot on the bottom of the model with a unique number that corresponds to a sticker on the bottom of the box and is referenced in your spread sheet listing. After all, if something happens to you, will your family be able to figure out which box this or that model goes into and be able to identify it? Will they be able to determine the approximate value of the model or will they sell it to some unscrupulous person who will pay nickels on the dollar for it. I think we all know folks that operate like that. You can also put someone on your listthat you trustand will be will monitor the honesty in any sales of your collection as well for your family to consult with. Your insurance gepany will be able to use this same list in the event that you have fire damage or a break in and things are stolen. Check with your insurance gepany for details.
Remember brass models are an art form and investment,the assame as paintings, sculptures, coins, stamps, or rare cars are. If you take care of them properly they increase in value and are an investment that will benefit you. If you do not take care of them they will depreciate in value and you will loose money. Some models by their very nature are rare and valuable due to the low quantity made, don't make a silly mistake or treatyour modelcarelessly and lose hundreds of dollars. Consult one of the three Brown books, preferably volume III for estimated values. But remember even that book is nearly 20 years old now. Your best bet for determining value are auction sites such as okay or consulting internet sites of gepanies such as Dan's in Ocala Fl, Gunnings, Caboose Hobbies, The Caboose, and other Google'd sites.
If you find this helpful please let okay know by selecting your evaluation of the article. Thanks agian, Dave