Q: Can you suggest how to safely remove the white residue that builds up on the bottom of my American Flyer rolling stock? – Bruce K. Davis, Youngwood, PA
A: We receive this question several times a year. For some reason this white residue problem is more common with American Flyer S gauge trains of a certain vintage than with other brands. Flyer fans call it “mildew,” but whether it is related to the funky fungus that grows on your shower curtain or not, I can’t say for sure.
Safe removal is fairly simple. Heat the affected areas with a hair dryer until the white stuff comes loose. Then, with a soft or medium bristle brush, scrub it away. If you don’t get all of it the first time, repeat the process.