I realise he is not nor has never been 'pure' white, but there is a definite difference from the way he used to be. I also have Classics Ramjet, and believe that Classics Jetfire was molded in a brighter/whiter plastic (actually, to say that his plastic now resembles Classics Ramjet is a good way to describe how he looks now). When I say he has become discolored, it sure looks like degradation-style yellowing, because if its not, I don't know where the dirt and grime could have come from. Its an all-over effect, it has applied itself to him equally in all areas, not just where a layer of dust/dirt/grime could have collected, but including where the sun don't shine, (under and between areas) all over him equally. He sat for years on a closet shelf mostly in darkness, saw little artificial light, absolutely no sunlight. When I grabbed and packed him recently to move, the film of dust on him was so thin, its the kind you cant see but sort of feel, ya know? Side note: although the red paint highlights have remained vivid and bright, the Autobot symbols on the wings have faded to a somewhat red-orange; they used to match the intensity of the neighboring red paint. So that could be nothing but age, ,imo. The discoloring is not bad at all, and if viewed for the first time by a newb, they wouldn't think it wasn't new; I just see it because I am the owner and can tell the difference (actually, the greying/yellowing/browning can be seen on the wingtops the most. When in bot mode, with those wings sticking up on the air and drawing attention, they most definitely look darker and duller than the rest if him. I would post a photo but I doubt it would come through). So is it genetics or environment? Who can say? Wen I was rubbing away at it really hard for 5 mins or so, and thought I removed some of the discoloration, is it possible that I could have removed some of the finish that would explain it being age and not grime? Like I said, I want apply something that is the mildest and work my way up in stages. So maybe I will try toothpaste first and see. I wouldn't have thought of either of those things (toothpaste or peroxide), I especially wanted to know what I *shouldn't* use that might cause erevocable damage. So thanks for the suggestions, I will try that!
(anything else you would or wouldn't recommend?)