Any suggestions for removing rust from Postwar Lionel 027 Track

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

I have heard of a rust remover called "Evapo rust"(I think that is the proper name) that  people on the Yahoo Super O board have used with good results. You may try it. I think there is a web site for it in a message on the Super O site.

[servoguy]

I have lots of used track.  I have managed to clean enough of the rust off to make it usable on a large layout.  The biggest challenge it to clean the holes in the open end.  I just checked McMaster Carr and they have spiral wire brushes small enough to get into the open end of the rails.  This should make cleaning them easy using a drill motor to rotate the wire brush. It may be necessary to pull the pins and clean of both ends and the hole the pin goes in.

BB

[11th Street]

Well there is always a dremel, and you need to check the insulation between the center rail & the metal ties.

And whatever you do please do it outside; you certainly do not want to inhale or absorb any of those oxides into your body!

[TRAINCAT]

If you insist on keeping the old track be prepared for trouble. The rusty pins and track tubes will cause you a lot of grief. Be prepared to find a way to clean them out and you will end up running a few jumpers to the track. Any train show has this used in boxes under tables for .25 each.

I have cleaned some track with a green scotch brite pad. You might try a wire wheel on a dremel.

Some claim washing it in a dishwasher is good. The hot water will not rust the track if dried quickly.

 

Roger

[matthewg]

I'd rather not do that, the rust isn't too bad with the exception of a few sections, besides I don't use it to operate, it's part of my dad's childhood set. Just wanted to clean it up a bit.

[Anonymous]

Personally, I'd just throw it out and buy new track.  Although you might be able to get the rust on the outside, the rust that is inside is difficult  if not impossible to remove and will cause problems.  Save yourself the aggrevation and just get new track.

[matthewg]

I have a fair amount of old postwar 027 track that's in various stages of grime/rust. Ive heard of soaking them in rust remover or other cleaning solutions, any suggestions?