Cleaning Die Cast Models

[Silver]

The poll kinda side-tracked things...

The question is how keep our beloved scaled models in immaculate condition? I believe in that prevention is better than cure, so its simply better to keep them either boxed up or sealed behind a glass display.

I get used 1/18ths off ebay, and man, some of them got layers of dust stuck on to paintwork and interior. Got a XJ220 recently and the condition was horrible, so I was wondering whats the best way to clean it up...

Do you think washing them is an option as this guide points out?

Edited October 22, 2008 by Silver

[Devinda_Z]

um... voting isn't quite possible if you own no cars, cuz then you have no secondary selection to make - so the message board refuses to record the vote

[Pericles]

I have only 1 1:18 and three 1:24s. Boxed! And the matchbox models from childhood....

This gent tho ... I think he covers your whole list ... http://preveenr.fotopic.net/c1516846.html

[MasterDon]

This gent tho ... I think he covers your whole list ... http://preveenr.fotopic.net/c1516846.html

wowww!!! what a collection......makes my puny little collection look like sh*t.....amazing

[Silver]

um... voting isn't quite possible if you own no cars, cuz then you have no secondary selection to make - so the message board refuses to record the vote

Thanks for the heads up - sorted out.

I have only 1 1:18 and three 1:24s. Boxed! And the matchbox models from childhood....

This gent tho ... I think he covers your whole list ... http://preveenr.fotopic.net/c1516846.html

I saw your photoset a while back - it was that collection that inspired me to collect random models. At first I was just sticking my favs and German sports cars, but now I'm picking up everything that I can afford...

[Mean Green z28]

got a bunch of them, will take pics later today/tomorrow

Edit: Here they are ... http://picasaweb.google.com/tburah1/MyCollectionOfModelCars ... I'll be getting a 1:18 car lift to go with these (guy is shipping it to me right now). It's battery operated and works like a real lift!

As you would notice, they're mainly of Camaro's and Firebirds/TransAms with a few others thrown in for good measure. There's a couple Mustangs that I acquired when I had my Mustang; two of which are limited production models my wife (then g/f) got me from Franklin Mint ($130/each ... crazy woman!).

Actually, I did notice how it's hard to get dust off 'cos it tends to stick to the paint ... freaking wired!!! I'm gonna try to use some automotive paint cleaner (it's a car afterall ... lol).

Edited October 23, 2008 by Mean Green z28

[Pericles]

Actually, I did notice how it's hard to get dust off 'cos it tends to stick to the paint ... freaking wired!!! I'm gonna try to use some automotive paint cleaner (it's a car afterall ... lol).

Try a rocket blower and cotton buds. And maybe a soft brush.

[Watchman]

Actually, I did notice how it's hard to get dust off 'cos it tends to stick to the paint ... freaking wired!!! I'm gonna try to use some automotive paint cleaner (it's a car afterall ... lol).

I keep them in their boxes. its the safest way i guess till i get a glass showcase made.

and careful with thinner based stuff.. paint melts off!!! I have a 1:18 scale of the 2Fast 2 Furious Evo7. while putting it into the box i accidentally snapped a side-mirror. I pasted it back with superglue, and the excess glue dripped onto the blue line just below and when i tried to wipe it away i sort of wiped away the blue ...

For fingerprints and other stains on th metal pain i use a wet tissue and then a dry one to wipe it. As for specs of just, i use a camera cleaning brush and my my mouth to blow at it .. but i havent had just issues with the 1:18s cos they've never been out of their boxes for more than the time i'm playing around with them. But had the problem with the smaller 1:34/37, n 1:64s and that too was handled by a small watercolour paintbrush

with this speak of scales i was going through my photos to try my photos from the last shoot i did, but cant seem to find them.. should do another shoot in December when i get home

Edited October 23, 2008 by Dilesh