WD-40?

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by easyaces

QUOTE: Originally posted by MAbruce

Holy smokes! Time out here! [#dots]

First it was said to be a lubricant, not a rust remover.

Then it was said to it does penetrate rust.

Then it was said not to a lubricant, but a solvent.

Then it was said that it was developed as a lubricant/water displacement formula and rust inhibitor, and will not remove rust.

Someone says let the track soak in WD40, then another says be careful about using it, then yet another says they wouldn’t use it at all.

Anyone else getting dizzy? [%-)] I think someone needs to clear this up, because anyone reading this will come away with no idea of what WD-40 is or if it should be used.

Actually, maybe it’s not a good idea because we’ll likely see even more contractions… [banghead]

you might have a point there MAbruce! I forgot about the insulation pieces in the track a that they could be damaged if soaked directly. I was correct though in stating that WD-40 was developed during WWII as a lubricant/rust inhibitor. (if you'd like to check that go to www.howstuffworks.com) as there is an article there about it.

Point taken. My opinions are based on my experience within a marine environment where I've had to experiment with a wide range of lubricants before I knew what was good, bad and ugly. So WD-40 may be all you need fro indoor storage but then again if you can get your hands on Fluid Film give it a try as it is user friendly.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JCtrain

I got some American Flyer track and its ancient, or its been sitting in a leaky attic. And can you use WD-40 on rusty/dirty track?

I read through all the replies and there are many very good points. I may have missed it but how badly is the track rusted? Does the track just have a light surface rust or "pitted", extremely corroded rust?

If it is extremely corroded to the point where the metal is pitted then it may not be useable. If the corrosion isn't real bad, just a light surface corrosion, then I would use a cotton swab and the WD-40. Once the rust is removed wa***he WD-40 film off with alcohol.

Work carefully and be sure not to get the insulation that is inside the rails wet with whatever you decide to use.

[Anonymous]

I've been gone for awhile. And to straighten things out the track:

was in an attic and the two top layers of track were rusted beyond help.

I bought a AF 4-4-2 after I found the track and It works fine now.

I ended up not using WD-40 but scotch brite instead. I found out by my grandpa that the pikemaster and helper track by AF was "half-@$$ed junk".
I also got some Santa Fe loco's from a second cousin with some track and transformer.

Thanks for the help

[cwclark]

after the rust is removed i would use barbershop clipper oil on the rails...take a rag and very lightly (and i mean LIGHTLY) wipe the top of the rail with it..it keeps the rail very clean and also helps keep the rolling stock trucks clean....Chuck