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New member 3 posts txdieseldog New member 3 posts
txdieseldog

Let me try state this as short as possible. I have had most, if not all of my stock in storage for nearly 20 years due to lack of location to place them. My storage boxes were the older grocery style with the two lids that interlock in the middle. From stacking them, several got detiorated and allowed openings for the mud dawbers to get in. My problem is I need some good tips on how I should clean them without screwing up the finish. Other than the dirt from  the mud dawbers, they are all in new condition. The dirt and dust just doesnt do it for weathering either. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Barry
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Ken Biles Greyhart Frequent poster 551 posts
Ken Biles Greyhart

If it's just dirt...

If it's just mud and dirt, I would think washing them with warm water would clean everything up nicely.

 

 Ken Biles

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Ngwpwer Regular poster 147 posts
Ngwpwer

Dirt dobbers use dirt

I am with Mr Biles if it is just dirt, which is what the wasp uses and a little spit, Then try a dishwasher on the gentlest cycle you have. Not hot just warm- not long just enough to loosen the mud. Please don't use the dying cycle. Might have to hand dry or stick a fan on them, I live in low -18% humidity and fan drying works for me. 

Let us know.
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Paul Bell New member 1 post
Paul Bell

truck to bolster joints

i have some ancient (circa 1950-1955 freight cars i had as a teenager.  i am trying to restore them to running condition for nostalgia purposes.  does anyone know what the small plastic insert in the bolster that is treaded to accept the truck screw called?  if so, does anyone know where i can get them?  thanks, Paul
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herronp Prolific poster 1,840 posts
herronp

What the heck's.........

.........a Dirt Dauber, some kind of Gopher?

Peter
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Pennsy GG1 Regular poster 161 posts
Pennsy GG1

It's a Wasp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mud_dauber

 

Mud daubers are long, slender wasps; the latter two species above have thread-like waists. The name of this wasp group comes from the nests that are made by the females, which consist of mud molded into place by the wasp's mandibles.

Al

Enjoying HO, with RailPro.
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dhatman Active Member 96 posts
dhatman

What the heck's.........

Technically they are Mud Daubers, and we had them everywhere when I was a kid in Tennessee.
Doug Hatman
Model Locomotive
Engineer/Conductor
Humble, Texas 77338
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darrellc Active Member 35 posts
darrellc

mud daubers

Aggravateing little suckers. Would not advise using dish washer as posted previously because the dirt could clog the drain . I would use a container filled with warm water and use a soft bristled bush to remove the dirt.
Tennessee midland
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35tac Regular poster 214 posts
35tac

Mud Daubers

In northern Ohio we called them "Mud Wasps".

Wayne

 
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NandWcoal New member 15 posts
NandWcoal

RE: Need Help

I had the same problem with cars stored in my barn. I used warm water and a little dish soap, scrubbing what ever will not soak off with an old tooth brush. If you have an air compressor, set it down to about 10 lbs. and blow the water out of the trucks etc to prevent rust.
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txdieseldog New member 3 posts
txdieseldog

Need Help/Thanks

Thanks for all of the replies. I was leaning towards the warm water and soft bristled tooth brush. Always good to have clarification. Thanks guys.

Barry
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