cleaning super O

[3railguy]

MAAS metal polish and kitchen duty Scotch Brite pads do an excellent job of removing corrosion, dirt, and bringing back electrical conductivity (don't use the heavy duty variety of scotch brite pads as they are abrasive).. with a plastic bristle scrub brush, scrub off polish residual and ties with Dawn and water. Once dry, wipe railheads with 90% isporsal alchol. Anything abrasive opens the door to more corrosion.

[PostwarMan07]

 thanks for the help.  Im going to try the dremmel idea on the dirtiest pieces.  I used a scotch brite pad and it did wonders on the tops of the rails.  Then I used a rag with some windex to wipe off any leftover dirt on the rails.

Assembled a loop of track today and ran a 681 and some postwar cars on it.  I like this stuff ten times as much as tubular.  The best part is that the pieces dont come apart causing derailments. I would recomend this track system to anyone!  If you compare the prices of this stuff and modern track, its not a huge difference.

[lionelsuperotrack]

The most important area to clean is the rail tops. For this go to the paint department of a Menards or Home Depot and look for a Sanding Block for wall board. It does a great job of cleaning the rail tops. Will make them shine. Been using it for 20 years.

 For the sides of the rails use a #428 wire brush attachment for a Dremel. Removes surface dirt, dust and some rust. Will not remove discoloration.

 For the roadbed us a fresh paint brush to remove dust.

 These 3 steps will provide the simplest method of cleaning up Super "O" track. This is discussed in dept on the Super O Yahoo Group.

Mike

[lionelsuperotrack]

We are going out shortly. I can help. Contact me if I [e-mail]

[PostwarMan07]

 thanks dub.  No luck here either searching google.  For some reason rubbing alcohol keeps poping into my head as an idea.   My main concern is to not discolor or scratch the plastic ties in any way.

[Dub]

My Google search came up with no good answers. One answer had dry ajax , with another using steel wool. We have some Super O track in the family. My vote on cleaning would be mild soap/water and a soft brush on the ties. Scotchbrite on the rails. Only the top surface needs to be cleaned for the train to run. Never bought or used a liquid track cleaner so no help there

[PostwarMan07]

 Heres another question... what was in the lionel issued track cleaner of the postwar era (what active chemicals)?

[PostwarMan07]

 I finally got some super O in good shape but some pieces could use a little cleaning.  Whats the best/safest way to clean this stuff?  Seems a lot more delicate than tubular track.