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ť Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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ť Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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ť Topic: How to clean models
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?cid=101&fid=102&tid=2396

To all modelers,
I often wondering how to clean the PT boat models, or any other models, without a glass case
for protection. Any ideas?
Victor

Victor K Chun

Posted By: victorkchun | Posted on: Dec 4, 2011 - 11:57am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

Victor

Long before Stan started building the cases for all of my models, I used to buy some of that air in a can, that they use to clean the keyboards of your computer. Also, you can use a fine paint brush. In any event, most model's without a case are a real pain to keep clean.............

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Dec 4, 2011 - 12:36pm
Total Posts: 3544 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Wash with like colors. Tumble dry on Low.

(Sorry...........couldn't resist.)[:-smilearound-:][:-veryhappy-:]

Posted By: Carl M | Posted on: Dec 4, 2011 - 9:41pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

Orally, I blow on them or use a very soft wide paint brush.
Have heard you can rinse under water? HTH---John

Posted By: John V | Posted on: Dec 5, 2011 - 2:55am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

Victor, what are you dealing with? Do you have an old model you're trying to clean?
Dave

PS. Ignore Carl. I wouldn't recommend that. :-)

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Dec 5, 2011 - 5:27am
Total Posts: 1680 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm

Oh, Carl's way works. Just be sure to clean your lint trap.

Will

Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Dec 5, 2011 - 5:50am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

Not to mention make sure you use delicate tumble on the dryer...........

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Dec 5, 2011 - 6:44am
Total Posts: 3544 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Yes, I am talking about old models. Frank's idea of using an air can seems to be a great idea.
Thanks!
Victor

Victor K Chun

Posted By: victorkchun | Posted on: Dec 5, 2011 - 8:24am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

I wasn't sure about Frank's idea, but it started to click about the fourth time I read it......

Posted By: kgretter | Posted on: Dec 5, 2011 - 8:32am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

Yes Frank I am still unclear!. Can you repeat that one more time for me? you used canned air? Could you please repeat your post so I could read it again? Please? Hah Hah. Jerry

Jerry Gilmartin

Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: Dec 5, 2011 - 1:31pm
Total Posts: 1486 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm

Funny Guys, LMAO. No pun intended here, you really can used canned air, just make sure you eat plenty of beans...............

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Dec 6, 2011 - 10:12am
Total Posts: 3544 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

We use the canned air on our computer keyboard. The brand we use is Fellowes Duster. Seems to work okay but contains tetrafloroethane is flamable and needs to be used in a well ventelated area.
[url]http://www.fellowes.com/us/en/Products/Pages/product-details.aspx?prod=US-99790&cat=COMPUTER_ACC&subcat=CLEANING_WS_ORG&tercat=[/url]
Gary

Posted By: Gary Paulsen | Posted on: Dec 6, 2011 - 10:29am
Total Posts: 250 | Joined: Feb 14, 2009 - 6:31am

Hey guys-

First of all, I have been away from the message board for a long, long time! I thought that I would add my 2 cents worth about cleaning static models.

I have been building classic tall ship models for well over 40 years! I still and always will have a vivid interest in everything relating to PT's.

DUST, pure and simple will destroy a fine ship model over time! The best investment to protect any type of model is a glass case.

I have found that this method works best for me and I agree that many of you will NOT want to try this but trust me, IT WORKS like a dream.

I take my models outside and use Windex and spray the entire model with the stuff. Yep, rigging and all. Soak it really good, then get an empty bottle and fill it with warm tap water and respray the model to remove and residue and crud. For hard to clean areas a fine soft brush dipped into the Windex can be utilized to "swab" the deck so to speak! I

I then let my models "air dry" and go back with Q-tips in and around delicate areas of the model.

One of my clients called me and asked if I would clean one of his models. I asked if he had any Windex and he handed me the bottle. I thought he would have a accident when I proceeded to spray down his Cutty Sark model that took me a year to build. After she air dried, he couldn't believe it was the same model!

If you guys have wood model DON'T use the Windex. Use the Windex ONLY on plastic models. I use MURPHY'S OLI SOAP in a spray bottle. Just spray the entire model down and then repeat with warm tap water to remove the crud. Murph's oil soap doesn't leave behind any residue. When I am restoring old antique ship models, the first thing I always do is clean the model off first then proceed with repairs and re-rigging. This method works for me every time and has never failed to work for me.

I also find that a ladies large "blush brush" that women use to apply make up with is the ideal accessory to keep dust off your models from time to time. The hairs on the brush are very long and very soft for delicate details.

To those of your brave enough to try this method, I'd like to hear from you all! It's good to be back on the message board again!

Frank J. Ryczek, Jr.
Modeler/Friend PT-169 "ZEBRA SNAFU" Base Tulagi

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Dec 8, 2011 - 9:54am
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm

Awesome Frank, although all of my models are encased in glass, this is a great thing to know, for my PT-109 Model that Stan is restoring. He will be building a case for this model, but it has been sitting for some time in the basement. I know Stan uses brushes to clean the model's, but maybe I will have him try this on the 109. Does that Windex hold true for resin or fiberglass models. I know the 109 model is not plastic as it was a running boat for the water. Thanks Frank for sharing all those years of knowledge............

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Dec 8, 2011 - 1:18pm
Total Posts: 3544 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Hi Ya Frank-

Yep, the Windex spray will work very well on fiberflass hulls. Just remember one thing though. If the model is PLASTIC, use the Windex then rinse off with warm tap water sprayed on. If the model is WOOD, DON'T use the WINDEX!! If you want to clean crud off of a old wooden model go with MURPHY'S OIL SOAP in the spray bottle. Don't worry, the oil soap is very mild and will not warp the wood in any way! I've been restoring antique ship models for a very long time and this is my tried and true method!

By all means Frankie, pass this on to my Polish Buddy, Stan! I'll bet ya dollars to donuts this method will raise his eyebrows!

Frank Ryczek, Jr.

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Dec 8, 2011 - 3:05pm
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm