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Goo Gone to clean track???

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  • Member since
    May 2002
  • From: Edmonton, Canada
  • 100 posts
Goo Gone to clean track???
Posted by gpharo on Sunday, September 12, 2004 4:36 PM
I am contemplating adding Goo Gone as a cleaning tool in addition to my Peco eraser. So what is the best way to apply it, can I just dab some on a soft cloth and then wipe the rails or do I need to do anything else?


Thank you

gp_haro
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Canada
  • 1,745 posts
Posted by JeremyB on Sunday, September 12, 2004 5:00 PM
yep, that's the way I do it.
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
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Posted by cmrproducts on Sunday, September 12, 2004 6:00 PM
Goo Gone leaves a film on the rails that attracts dirt and this will just make you have to clean the tracks more.

If you want to only have to clean the rails once a year use metal polish and have more fun running trains instead of cleaning track, unless you LIKE to CLEAN track!

I have over 2600 feet of track to clean so cleaning track is not high on my list of things I like to do. Try it and see. If it does not work just go back to the Goo Gone.

BOB H Clarion, PA
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Frankfort, Kentucky
  • 1,758 posts
Posted by ben10ben on Sunday, September 12, 2004 6:53 PM
I use Goo Gone on a rag, but always follow up with 70% Isopropyl alcohol. In addition to attracting dirt, the film left behind with destroy any traction tire that you have on your engines. I have found Goo Gone to be a superior degreaser and solvent, though.
Ben TCA 09-63474
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, September 12, 2004 6:58 PM
Goo Gone is one of the many liquid cleaners in my inventory. If you decide to use it, you must follow up and wipe it off.
I prefer the Metal Paste Cleaner, MAAS, a two ounce tube for $5.00 at Walmart, True Vaule or Ace.
If you buy it , use it according to procedure and don't like it, I will refund your $5.00 bucks

  • Member since
    April 2002
  • From: Nashville TN
  • 1,306 posts
Posted by Wdlgln005 on Sunday, September 12, 2004 9:35 PM
Goo Gone is used by the Centerline track cleaners. Use a paper towel, cut to the width of your track. A wet set followed by a dry set is the best way to use it. Also, use it to clean all the wheels. Same idea, a wet sponge with a dry one to get all the gunk out.
Glenn Woodle
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: US
  • 641 posts
Posted by mikebonellisr on Sunday, September 12, 2004 10:02 PM
I've had great results with GOO GONE. I first pour it onto a small scrap piece of homasote and rub down the rails, then use rubbing alcohol to clean off the residue.
  • Member since
    May 2002
  • From: Edmonton, Canada
  • 100 posts
Posted by gpharo on Sunday, September 12, 2004 11:14 PM
Thanks for the feedback, however the train guy at one of my local hobby shops told me not to use Isopropyl alcohol / rubbing alcohol b/c it leaves a residue on the rails.

Personally, I think it wouldn't b/c it evaporates so quickly.


gp_haro
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, September 13, 2004 5:06 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by gpharo



Personally, I think it wouldn't b/c it evaporates so quickly.


gp_haro

I too have used the alcohol. The 99% one is the cleaner they use over at the Chicago MSI.
in their track cleaning car.
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: North Central Illinois
  • 1,458 posts
Posted by CBQ_Guy on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 3:53 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by gpharo

Thanks for the feedback, however the train guy at one of my local hobby shops told me not to use Isopropyl alcohol / rubbing alcohol b/c it leaves a residue on the rails.

Personally, I think it wouldn't b/c it evaporates so quickly.


gp_haro

That's why I use denatured alcohol. [8D]
"Paul [Kossart] - The CB&Q Guy" [In Illinois] ~ Modeling the CB&Q and its fictional 'Illiniwek River-Subdivision-Branch Line' in the 1960's. ~
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Frankfort, Kentucky
  • 1,758 posts
Posted by ben10ben on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 4:24 PM
Denatured would be more likely to leave a residue than isopropyl in the form of the various denaturents used. Some lower grade rubbing alcohols may have oil in them, though, so that's something to watch for.
Ben TCA 09-63474
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • 2,124 posts
Posted by fec153 on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 6:14 PM
I use GooGone on a pad on my track cleaning car. I push it around the layout with
one of my locos. Does a good job.
Phil
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Northeast Houston
  • 576 posts
Posted by mcouvillion on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 9:18 PM
I've got to agree with Bob H. Goo Gone, while a terrific solvent, definitely leaves a residual film on the track that is the start of the next mess. Isopropyl alcohol will not leave a film as it evaporates, but unless you wipe the railhead clean while the IPA is still there, you haven't removed the junk from the railhead. I'm in a club where we are going to try using the metal polish on the railheads. I haven't found the MAAS or the Flitz yet, but we plan to use it until it proves it doesn't work. I suspect it will work just fine.

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