Deniis ramsey send me this artle
http://www.dt.navy.mil/cnsm/lead_01.htmlthe best one I have seen. Navy Museum and serious study conducted.
Here is my take.
Lead rot can be caused by wood and other surfaces which naturally secrete acetic acid. This reacts with lead to create the white dust which is identified as lead carbonate. "Models with lead parts should not be displayed or stored in cases made from oak or made from other woods on the highly destructive list. Woods not on the list in this report, and there are many, may range from minimally to highly harmful."
Best to leave lead objects exposed to air, not in a closed space- this explains why my box of lead planes that had one or two rot problems spread to most of the others. "World War Two vintage waterline identification models should not be stored closed within their original wooden carrying cases." So for those that collect the id ship models that come on wood plaques in a wood box, it might be best to take them out and off the boards, though mine seem to be fine after 60+ years in the boxes.
Lead carbonate which has accumulated should be removed from affected parts and from inside the exhibit case interior as frequently as possible.Brushing can do a good job. DO NOT use vinegre to clean as this contains +-5% acetic acid. Recommendation was to remove the dust physically and wash in water.
Wear a face mask when handling and cleaning and after handling lead.For models with lead parts, exhibit case interiors should be kept as cool as may be practical and keep moisture expose down.
Exhibit cases should exchange interior air about twice a day.
Wear a face mask when handling and cleaning and after handling lead.dennis had another link
http://reviews.ebay.com/LEAD-ROT-IN-TOY ... LISTINGS:1which was short and recommended the following:
"Use a soft brush cleaning the figure to remove the power and the affective parts and then treating with a solution of 50% pure gum spirits of turpentine and 50% medicinal mineral oil. The two are added together and shaken hard and applied with a swab.Badly affected pieces may be immersed in the solution to coat the insides of the hollow cast figures. Then they should be patted dry with a soft cloth then allowed to air dry for a least a week before putting them back in their boxes. This 50/50 solution of turpentine and mineral oil aids in the cleaning process,thins out the mineral oil for good penetration and surface coating. Depending when you start treating the lead rot you may have a section like on horses were it starts on the rear end and leaves holes just as rust on an old car."
I didn't see any reference to floor polish but it would seem logical. I will test this out next visit to the USA