O-gauge Track

[Anonymous]

My husband just bought zinc O-guage track that was made during the war. What is a recommendation on how to clean the track.

[Anonymous]

Zinc plated track? Made during which war?

Most toy train track was tin plated. If this is tin plated track, don't use harsh abbrasive like sanpaper and definitely don't use steel wool. You can brush off loose dirt/rust and follow up with buffing with microfiber cleaning cloths:

http://www.eriecotton.com/Microfiber-Household-Towels-c-13?gclid=CLSDpZ25rIUCFRZvSAodyy1Q5A

These can be found at most discount stores and home improvement places. More stubborn material can be attacked with scotch brite pads and final cleanup can be done with isopropynol (rubbing alcohol). Do not use methanol because of health/environmental concerns.

Note: New tin plate track is pretty cheap and you may want to ask whether the time/effort/supply costs make cleaning the old track a good idea.

[Dave Farquhar]

During the Korean War, Lionel did make some track that was plated with something other than tin. They used cadmium, I think. It's duller than tin.

I use two different household chemicals to clean track. Plain white vinegar does a nice job of removing dirt and even rust. Use one of those green scouring pads on stubborn rust. If vinegar doesn't do the trick, use some Bar Keeper's Friend (if you're not familiar with it, it's sold in grocery and discount stores in the cleaning supply aisle, and it's usually right next to the Comet). Bar Keeper's Friend will really shine up tin, but I don't know what effect it would have on cadmium.

So it is possible to clean up old track (I've done it) but the question is whether it's worth the time required. I would suggest cleaning the dirtiest piece and the best piece, see how much time it's going to take, and make a decision from there on whether to proceed.