Hey Der Folks!
I dismantled my “starter” layout, and I was wondering what is a good method for removing glue from the track pieces? I used Woodland Scenics Tacky Glue to tack down the track, and Woodland Scenics Cement for the ballast. Is it worth cleaning the track? Will it cause issues reusing the track on my new layout?
-Steven
If the track is in otherwise good condition and did not get distorted or bent while it was being removed, it is certain worth experimenting.
Immersing and soaking the track in tubs of hot water might go a long way in loosening up the scenic cement, so that attacking it with an old toothbrush or other tool might get results. This could be painstaking work of course.
A mild solvent might be needed for the tacky glue - perhaps soaking in some Pine Sol + hot water? These methods are easier with sectional track than with 3 ft lengths of flex track.
If there are pieces of glue and ballast coming off, don't rinse it off in a sink but throw it out somewhere on the yard maybe. And don't go too nuts trying to remove every grain of ballast if you intend to reballast the track in its next incarnation.
Dave Nelson
I have lots of Atlas code 100 flextrack sections that are on their 3rd layout.
Mike.
My You Tube
First try water. If that doesn't work, try 70% isopropyl alcohol. If you don't damage the track when you remove it, then it is reusable although it came not come entirely clean. Give it a try and see what happens.
Rich
Alton Junction
Nothing wrong with "recylcling" track. I did that from the 1st to 2nd (current layout). You can always model some unkempt or unused track with track from the 1st layout? I did that and it tells an interesting story (IMHO).
My track and turnouts are on thire 4th layout, not counting the times some of it was pulled up and moved while the layout was stii up.
I use the white glue/water. for ballest. I lay the track on basment floor, near drain,
hit it with hot water tru hose/sprayer.
As long as you get the bottem clean enuff to lay some what flat don't worry about the rest.
The biger concern is the ends. I solder my joints, then just cut the ends off. Lose about <1in> on every move.
Is it worth it? how mutch money ya got ?
I do everything I can to avoid track problems. They will ruin all your fun.
I do not recycle trackage components.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I just snip the soldered joiners off, losing a cm of track I can handle, desoldering is time consuming. In the past I have soaked the track in very warm water and hit it with the pressure washer out on the driveway by gently holding it with one foot. Came out like brand new.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."