by Tim Harry

Created on: November 17, 2009   Last Updated: March 10, 2010

The model trains of today are relatively fragile things, made from a mixture of plastic and metals. Their predecessors, the metal Hornby O Gauge, were built of much sturdier materials and as a result were nigh on indestructible. Model trains though are now less of a plaything and more pieces of precision engineering, collectibles and need to be handled with care. As a result it is important to know how to care for plastic model trains.

There are a number of manufacturers of model trains today, the likes of Hornby and Bachmann, but many plastic model makers have also manufactured plastic model trains. Airfix, the British plastic model maker, produced an entire range of model steam locomotives including the Airfix BR Mogul and Airfix Royal Scot. These model trains are fragile, and the utmost care is needed when cleaning them. Plastic is fairly fragile and easily broken, and thus any handling should be infrequent and with the gentlest of possible touches.

The same theory of cleaning though applies to model trains made entirely from plastic and also those made from plastic and metal.

Dust is the most common problem affecting plastic model trains, and it is tempting to get out the duster and give the train a good rub down. This will certainly help with the running of the model, and will initially make the model train look better, but continual rubbing will wear away and painted on details or transfers on the locomotive. A better method for removing dust is a can of compressed air, as used to clean out computer keyboards and other electronics. A better method for caring for plastic model trains though is to keep the trains in their boxes when not being used on the model train layout; this will help prevent damage and dust.

When used on a layout model trains, including plastic ones, can get covered in more than dust. Then it becomes a matter of giving the plastic model train a proper clean. It is often tempting to just to grab any form of household cleaner, but many of these cleaners are abrasive, and some will even destroy the plastic. This is why manufacturers connected with model trains and plastic models in general have developed special plastic cleaners. These cleaners are available from most model retailers, and although not always cheap they will ensure that plastic model trains are cleaned completely and safely.

Taking care of plastic model trains will ensure that they look great, run well, and last for as long as the model railway layout lasts.

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