Track cleaning

[Big papi]

What is the best track cleaning fluid and method to Len Lionel fastrack?

[railhead53]

Big PAPI, I don't have Lionel FasTrack, but on my track I use a clean rag with isopropyl alcohol and for tough dirt a Bright Boy Track Cleaner.  Bo

[TrainLarry]

For dirt, grease and oil, clean with a rag dipped in either Lionel or Life Like track clean fluid. Alternatively, you can use naptha (lighter fluid), as it is a great degreaser. Use it to clean your trains also, as it does not attack plastic or paint. For light rust, use a Scotchbrite pad, and not sandpaper, and clean the residue with naptha or track cleaner.

Larry

[sir james I]

Track cleaner is probably best but I have used rubbing alcohol for years. It dries fast so it can't cause rust.

[8ntruck]

I've had reasonable luck with a rag and 'Goo Gone', a citrus based solution.

Of course the most enjoyable way to touch up the track is with the 3927 track cleaning car and Lionel Track Clean.

[railhead53]

8NTRUCK, I don't have a track cleaning car, but have been thinking about getting one.  Especially when there is construction work taking place near the layout dust always collects on the rails.  A car that could be pushed or pulled around to just pick up the dust would be a nice thing.   Bo   

[lulu33]

On my small layout once per month before to clean tracks, I pass vacuum cleaner to remove dust and after I clean my fastrack with cotton cloth and zippo lighter fluid.

Once per week or when I use a lot my layout, I clean only the track with liquid lighter.

I applied the same method on my N scale layout for years (twenty years) and I never had problems and good results.

 

[TRAINCAT]

I would NOT use Goo-Gone. If not completely cleaned off the rails it will eat your traction tires. MTH recommends NOT using it and says to use denatured alcohol. That is what I have done for the last 7 years now.

Roger

[rtraincollector]

I use isopropyl Alcohol and a clean cloth also. sometimes I get the 3927 down and use it again with alcohol. I have 2 of them so can do two tracks at a time boy do they come back dirty lol. Need to get shelf layout finished and clean it. ( Took shelf layout apart to tighten up the joints about 66% done) Cleaning with a cloth as I go