track cleaning

[Anonymous]

I was looking at my train layout today and i realized that my track is really dirty and probably to be cleaned. i have no idea what to use to clean it. i have this brasso metal polishing stuff laying around but i don't know what it will do to my atlas track if i use it. if somebody would give me a better idea than this i would greatly appreciate it.

[csxt30]

Gee, I've been using a cleaner called Goo Gone. I would hold up & wait for others suggestions, though. I once had a track cleaning car, & that's what they reccomended. I like the lemon smell, also. Thanks, John

[selector]

According to the preponderance of modelers next door in the Model Trains forum, MAAS, metal polish for mag wheels, Goo Gone, Goof Off, Acetone, Bright Boys, dragged pieces of masonite (I'm not pulling your leg), and a host of other cleaners have produced satisfactory results for their backers.

I have EZ-Track (pthheww..!), and have been using it since...umm...2002. Some of it is only 7 months old. I have never cleaned my track, but I have cleaned my loco wheels with Goof Off, and I can tell you that it worked very well.

MAAS gets high marks from a lot of the older modelers who don't particularly like cleaning track (no kidding!) because it leaves a film that IS conductive and inhibits further corrosion.

My recommendation? For small spots and to degum your loco wheels, buy a small can of Goof Off (Home Depot, Walmart) and try not to cry when you fork out the $3.00. The MAAS is better for when you realize that today is track cleaning day and you will be busy for a while...and don't want to do it again soon.

[lionelsoni]

I rub it with a Scotch-Brite pad, as do a lot of folks. Search in the forum on "scotch brite" and you will find topics with a lot of track-cleaning advice.

[Jumijo]

I use 91% isopropol alchohol. Pour some on a folded paper towel and rub over the rails until they are clean. It's also great for cleaning wheels and pickup rollers. I use a cotton swab for those. It dries almost instantly, leaves no residue and one bottle costs about 89 cents at Walmart. One bottle will last you a long time. I do this at least once a week and I've had the same bottle since January. It's not even close to empty.

You would not believe how black those paper towels get after the first swipe. Subsequent wipings (usually 2) until no black shows fini***he job.

Jim

[andregg1]

I use wd-40 or alchohol.
good luck
Andre.

[eZAK]

I like to use denatured alcohol rather than iso.(a.k.a. Heet fuel additive, rubbing alco., etc.)
I think it has been said that iso. attracks or holds water.
I also think denatured dries quicker

Goof-off is harmful to paints!
Goo-gone leaves a residue!
Maas is great for polishing but not lite cleaning.
Acetone maybe to harmful for you and your track.

[rlplionel]

Years ago I stopped into a hobby shop for track cleaner. The shop was out of it that day, but the person working there told me the stuff sold as track cleaner was re-formulated Windex. He said to dampen a rag with Windex and wipe the rails. Then, follow-up with a dry rag to remove any residue. So that's how I've been cleaning track for over 20 years.

Robert
http://home.surewest.net/rlplionel/Robert.htm

[selector]

Actually, that is not a bad idea, Robert. Even more potent might be TSP or Sudsy Ammonia. Hmmmm......

[Anonymous]

thanks everyone for the tips. i really appreciate all of the helpful advice that i get from you guys. i will try a couple of the suggestions on the less noticable track first. thanks again

[Anonymous]

I have been using a product call Performance Plus 3 electric motor cleaner to clean my track. On the can it states removes oils, greases, grime, dirt and other contaminates. Also, its "EXTREMELY FLAMABLE". Its mainly used on R/C cars. It comes in a 13 oz. spray can. It sells for around $6.00 a can. One other thing I like about it, on the can it states safe on plastics and car bodies.

[Dr. John]

I'll add just one caveat: NEVER use steel wool! Those little pieces will get pulled right into your engine's electric motors.

I like brite boys for tough dirt, isopropyl alcohol for general cleaning (it evaporates quickly, leaving no residue).

[andregg1]

I think is like cold solvet. Do you know where buy?Andre.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jim Sutter

I have been using a product call Performance Plus 3 electric motor cleaner to clean my track. On the can it states removes oils, greases, grime, dirt and other contaminates. Also, its "EXTREMELY FLAMABLE". Its mainly used on R/C cars. It comes in a 13 oz. spray can. It sells for around $6.00 a can. One other thing I like about it, on the can it states safe on plastics and car bodies.

[Anonymous]

Good Morning,
I sell it my store (Jim's Train Shop). Should you like to purchase a can, please give me a call today between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm est. My phone number is 724-479-2026.

[pushnshove]

My local hobby shop guy recommended a track cleaning eraser. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

We use a Scotch-Brite cloth (Wal-Mart, 2 towels for $3) wrapped around a block of wood. If the track is really dirty, put some Denatured Alcohol on the cloth before going over the tracks. Denatured Alcohol is safe for the rubber traction tires, Iso...well, maybe a different story as well with the other chemicals. Our tracks seem very clean till we use the smoke chambers of the engines, then they get a greasy film. If your tracks are real dirty, maybe start with a Scoth-Brite pad (green), then on with the cloth.
Do it easy and safe...Sophia