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The ultimate solution to track cleaning

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  • Member since
    March 2015
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The ultimate solution to track cleaning
Posted by SouthPenn on Saturday, March 31, 2018 6:59 PM

In the April issue of Model Railroader, there is a Reader's Tip that explains how he had his rail gold plated. No more rail cleaning!

South Penn
  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, March 31, 2018 7:00 PM

I just bought a gold bar to use for this very process.

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I think you posted this thread one day early!

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-Kevin

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Living the dream.

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • 2,616 posts
Posted by peahrens on Saturday, March 31, 2018 7:16 PM

The best way is to "gleam" your track, but instead of doing the burnishing step with a stainless steel washer, substitute a gold coin that can be obtained from the advertisers on the TV business channels.  The best ones are the rare ones, but some of the commemorative issues are good quality also.

If you do that, the reality is you will occasionally still need to do some cleaning, but only once or twice a year.  Just get the one of the gold (not the cheaper brass) solvent cars that drip cleaning fluid onto a pad.  And instead of lacquer thinner, use cognac, as that has a better solvent and also smells better. 

Paul

Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent

  • Member since
    May 2004
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Posted by 7j43k on Saturday, March 31, 2018 8:48 PM

SouthPenn

In the April issue of Model Railroader, there is a Reader's Tip that explains how he had his rail gold plated. No more rail cleaning!

 

 

Well, there's a problem there.  The plating is going to wear off pretty quickly.  Not to mention, all yer buddies are gonna think you're a real loser, 'cause they'll think you're using brass rail.

The proper way to go is to got your rail made with solid platinum.  It is VERY unreactive.  And, of course, the right color.  And, BEST OF ALL, it's (currently) cheaper than gold.  Unfortunately, it's also kind of soft, so you'll be having your "welded rail" trains out pretty often.

 

Ed

  • Member since
    August 2014
  • 251 posts
Posted by tedtedderson on Saturday, March 31, 2018 8:51 PM

peahrens

Just get the one of the gold (not the cheaper brass) solvent cars that drip cleaning fluid onto a pad.  And instead of lacquer thinner, use cognac, as that has a better solvent and also smells better. 

Louis XIII works great for this purpose.  

T e d

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Saturday, March 31, 2018 8:55 PM

I think cognac is not the right choice.

I think something clear would be better:  Gray Goose vodka.  I know it works for me.

 

Ed

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