| I think to be honest the age of this model dictates that it would not look right if it was pristine. The slightly yellowing decals and the less than perfect finish are all part of what those in the antiques business call the patina and I would be tempted to do nothing more than a good clean.
I would try a couple of differrent possibilities carefully first to ensure compatibility with the paint but then I would do nothing more than use babies cotton buds soaked in a solvent and wipe the surface of the paint. I would try turps or even diesel oil, in small out of the way areas to ensure it doesn't lift the paint and very carefull rub away the dirt with the cotton swabs. Keep looking at the swab and if it starts to look green then you know you are lifting the paint.
Then maybe even a bit of wax polish on some of the more prominent areas such as the boiler and the cab to protect the paint and enhance the finish.
A final wipe with a lint free cloth should see this beauty looking her best.
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“Dirty British coaster with a salt-caked smoke stack, Butting through the Channel in the mad March days" |