Stuart Models steam engine - how to clean?

[toxicated]

I've just been given a Stuart half beam model that's been sitting untouched on top of a wardrobe for the last 10 years.

It appears to be complete but the machined castings need to be cleaned - it still has the casting sand on it so it's absolutely starting from scratch.

I understand the assembly instructions (I think!) but my question is - how do I clean it? I've searched through a couple of model fora but can't find the answer to such a numpty question

Any suggestions?

[dr_gn]

toxicated said:

I've just been given a Stuart half beam model that's been sitting untouched on top of a wardrobe for the last 10 years.

It appears to be complete but the machined castings need to be cleaned - it still has the casting sand on it so it's absolutely starting from scratch.

I understand the assembly instructions (I think!) but my question is - how do I clean it? I've searched through a couple of model fora but can't find the answer to such a numpty question

Any suggestions?

Are you saying the cast parts that have been factory machined still have sand on them??

[toxicated]

Yes, I guess that's what it is anyway. From their website you can buy unmachined castings or machined kits and this is the latter.

I've got this:



and this:



but want this:

[dr_gn]

toxicated said:

Yes, I guess that's what it is anyway. From their website you can buy unmachined castings or machined kits and this is the latter.

I've got this:



and this:



but want this:

You could try a scotchbrite pad, by hand first (on an unimportant bit), and if it needs more oomph, buy the drill version. You can get different grades, so I'd start fine and see if that does the trick.

[toxicated]

That's great - thanks.

[dr_gn]

toxicated said:

That's great - thanks.

...and of course I'd add that I'm very envious and if you get bored with it I would be very happy to buy it from you!

Seriously, good luck with it and post some progress pics as you build it up.

[chevronb37]

My dad's half-way through building one of these. He's made one or two before, as did my grandfather many moons ago. The number of hours one can spend watching castings turning on the lathe is just unbelievable. Good luck with the project, I hope you have a great deal of patience...!