cleaning track

[LittleTommy]

I have been using Goo Gone for quite a long time on my S Hirail layout.  I have found that it works great especially when used with the old American Flyer track cleaning car.

I usually first run a car with a small square of masonite (rough side down) suspended under it that loosens the grime (this idea came from an old Model Railroader issue from the 50's) then I run the track cleaning car with Goo Gone on the front wiper and dry felt on the rear wiper. 

I used to clean with denatured alcohol but that would work only for a few weeks, the Goo Gone seems to work for about 4-5 months.

Another trick is to have a few cars with the masonite wipers in your regular fleet of cars and just run them periodically in your car rotation. 

Being that I am rather anal, I operate by a schedule, and I run a "work train" with the track cleaning car in the consist every 5th "operating day".  It keeps things squeaky clean!

Little Tommy 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ollie68]

 

 

Are the track cleaning cars that run worth using or would it be better to do it by hand with the suggested cleaners?

[Bob Keller]

Am I the only one using Goo Gone? It leaves the track with such a nice citrus smell, too.

[Bob.M]

rio bill

I am running Lionel O Scale with train sounds and the dirty track is a problem with the sound. Intermittent. I have the 9 volt battery installed. Help!!!

Rio Bill

 

When I was a kid, I used sandpaper. This is WRONG! Don't do it. Sometimes I just use a piece of white letter paper to clean them off, if they are not too dirty.

[8ntruck]

I hook up the old postwar track cleaning car behind behind my 0-4-0 switcher or my NW-2 and drag it around every other month or so.  The track cleaning fluid smells like it is mostly alcohol.

 This way you can claim that you are doing housework while running a train!

[laz 57]

Scotchguard pad and then clean up with denatured alcohol on a rag,about every 2 months. 

laz57

[Buckeye Riveter]

Instead of using a wire wheel, use a wheel made of 3M's Scotch Guard.  You see these wheels for sale at train shows by the tool vendors.  They might be found on line.

I clean my track with Goo Gone.  Clean and wipe dry.

[jmkk]

Dito what Kurt said. Just a warning do not use a steel wire wheel if there is magnatraction it will cling to the wheels or other items that are or have become magnatized.

[kpolak]

Welcome Bill!

Tinplate track can be cleaned with denatured alcohol, and a rag or paper towel.  You can use the denatured alcohol and a Q-tip to clean the wheels on your engine as well.

A Brass wire wheel and a Dremel tool will also take the carbon build up off the wheels.  Be careful of using this on traction tires, as it will damage them.

Kurt

 

[rio bill]

I am running Lionel O Scale with train sounds and the dirty track is a problem with the sound. Intermittent. I have the 9 volt battery installed. Help!!!

Rio Bill