I had a section of track where I wound up filing the top of the rail head to eliminate a derailment with a steam loco. I know filing the top of the rail isnt the best idea but it was that or rip a whole area of trackwork that was already wired.
Should I worry about removing the scratches from the rail head? If so can anyone share the sanding / polishing steps?
- Bill Rutherford Lancaster, NH
Central Vermont Railroad
Bill.
Depending on how bad the scratches are. I would probably start with 320 or 400 grit wet or dry or emery. A drop of oil helps. If the 400 is good enough that's great. If not no e on to 800. I used to have some 1000 grit emery for polishing crankshafts. Not too many companies carry it. When you're done with the paper finish off with a dab of toothpaste and a damp T shirt for a good shine. Not the fancy gell stuff. The old white Colgate or Crest is best.
When I got sick, my Samurai swards were neglected and got minor rust spots. I wiped them down with talcom powder and tissues. Then a quick polish with the toothpaste and damp T shirt. Then an oiling. Brought back the shine and luster like new.
Pete.
Also look up previous postings on Gleaming. A way to polish rails that is super effective in increasing and maintaining conductivity
Unless there are deep grooves in the railhead you can feel with your fingernail, I'd say don't waste your time. Run over the area with a brite boy or and extra fine grit sanding sponge and call it a day.
Polishing the railheads is one of those things where (IMO) people tend to lose all perspective. The effort is way out of proportion to the gains achieved by doing so.
Again, my opinion. I'm sure many folks will tell you I'm wrong.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
It will probably require regular maintenance. Any scratches will be more prone to corrosion or trapping dirt and dust as trains pass overhead. I later corrected the issue with this conductive fluid that reduced maintenance to just once a year. I forget what it's called but was really messy stuff, despite that it did the job.
I would start with 1000 grit sandpaper, then move onto 3000 or 4000 grit. If the scratches are too deep for 1000 you could try 600 (or even 400) first.
Paul
Add me to the list of those saying don't do any more sanding/filing. Instead, I would merely scrub the railhead in that area with a large (clean!!) steel washer. The idea is to get it smooth, not take away more material. The washer should merely mash the ridges down flat(ter) and leave the railhead smoother and shinier.
Or, just leave it. If it turns blackish over time with the guck, then I guess you'll have to deal with that, either with solvent or the cleaning followed by mashing with the washer.
ndbprrAlso look up previous postings on Gleaming. A way to polish rails that is super effective in increasing and maintaining conductivity
Plus 1
Terry
Terry in NW Wisconsin
Queenbogey715 is my Youtube channel
selectorAdd me to the list of those saying don't do any more sanding/filing. Instead, I would merely scrub the railhead in that area with a large (clean!!) steel washer
Plus one on this,also!!
Thanks everyone. I wound up ripping up that section after all for a few things I wasn't happy with. But more great info for next time!!
get a sof lead pencil and rub the graphite over that spot. it will keep it cleaner there requiring less cleaning and it will help with electrical conductivity.
alco's forever!!!!! Majoring in HO scale Minorig in O scale:)