Solution suggestions for using in a sonic cleaner for a brass locomotive.
Newly purchased used locomotive was described as "Has tarnish" Classic understatement, looks like it was weathered to appear like a poorly maintained coal fire while running on a muddy cinder right of way.
White Vinegar then rinse with distilled water and air dry. Of course if you can, pull the body away from the drive train, do it. If it has a coat of clear lacquer, it will take longer in the ultrasonic cleaner. Wear gloves after it comes out of the bath, as the oils from your hands will give you some nice 'camo' patterns on the newly cleaned (etched) brass work. If ytou are keeping it as a brass model, hit it with a light coat of clear lacquer.
When I clean brass models I solder all loose parts then grit blast all surfaces and remove any extra solder blobs and then sonic clean all parts with solution to finish prep cleaning prior to painting.
I've never cleaned brass to be shinny. Although this solution works well removing old clear coats and making brass shine. Here's a quick pic from a thread I did a while back.
The parts of the loco in the picture that looks tarnished is only the clear coat that stuck to the model when I lifted it out of the cleaner. The second time I did it I first took a paper towel and removed the clear coat floating on the top of the solution. Then picked the model out and it was clean.
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Posted - 01/25/2021 : 7:47:44 PM
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