Need some advice on track cleaning

[Train 284]

Hello everyone, I'm in the need for some advice. I'm "restoring" a garden railroad at a 15" gauge live steam railroad in which I volunteer at (www.onprailroad.5u.com). Anyways, I was givin the duty of fixing it up. The track is LGB and it has been sitting there for at least a year and the rails are black. Would it be possible to use some kind of cleaner or would I have to convert the locomotive(s) to battery power. The rails are joined ith Hillman rail clamps I think and there is no need to replace the ballast because the track is cemented in. Any tips would be VERY much appriciated!

Matt

[vsmith]

Do a few passes with 400 sandpaper then Scotchbrite pad, use a drywall sander with extension arm. If you want to use cleaning fluid, LGB smoke fluid works great.[8D]

[Anonymous]

I use those 3M fine grit sanding sponges, they work fast, and one lasts practically all season. I've been using them for 4 years now and haven't worn out the rail yet, lol [:o)] They're wet and dry so you can use them with LGB smoke/cleaning fluid if you want (I prefer to use that stuff on a rag for light cleaning in between monthly sandings)

I just clean the tops of the rail, leaving the rest black, it looks more realistic and it's less work.[;)]

[Anonymous]

Phooey; don't put anything abrasive like that near them, these blokes are dangerous.

Go to the supermarket and buy enough of the cheapest white vinegar you need, enough to immerse the track. Leave it overnight and take it out in the morning, flush it off with clean water and inspect. It should be nice and bright and shiney, if some pieces are still a bit dirty; repeat the process. Be sure though when you are finished all traces of vinegar are removed so that the track wont recieve long term damage.


Don't you remember when you were a kid, leave a penny in vinegar overnight and it wilbe nice and bright like new in the mmorning.

Same principle here; as white vinegar is almost pue acetic acid.


rgds ian

[Anonymous]

"Go to the supermarket and buy enough of the cheapest white vinegar, you need, enough to immerse the track. "

Do you realise how much will it take to immerse my little garden?[:p] Besides the Alberta spruce might like the acid, but I don't know about the other plants, lol.[:o)]

As I misremember the original post said that track was set in concrete, might be kinda hard to immerse it too. Nice idea for that nasty used track I got off evilBay, tho. [8D]

[Anonymous]

I've run this picture umpteen times before but here it is again so please pardon if you have seen it before.

Mount an LGB cleaning block on an old sponge mop handle with zip ties that you get in a hardware store. Works like a charm.

Regards,
Bill C.
South Jersey