Hi all, I am a complete beginner when it comes to model trains and model train layouts. Anyway I am having alot of trouble deciding on what cleaning fluids I should use to clean the tracks and wheels with (including the plastic wheels on rolling stock). I've heard that Isopropyl alcohol is an excellent cleaner, but I also know that it can damage plastic, here is one source where I got this from, just read the bottle.
https://www.petersspares.com/970100009-dcc-supplies-isopropyl-alcohol-250ml-for-track-cleaning.ir
So if I used a clean lint free rag with some Isopropyl on it to clean the rails of the tracks (top and sides of the rails) and some isopropyl got onto the sleepers, would it damage the sleepers? And if I cleaned the plastic wheels with isopropyl, would the plastic wheels get damaged? What are all your experiences with using this cleaning fluid? All help is appreciated, thanks.
Welcome to the forum!!
There are 2 strengths is isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) 70% and 90%.
The 90% is a good, plastic friendly paint stripper, so I would avoid it as a cleaner especially if you had weathered your rails. Also, if you get some on your fingers, like using it to clean locomotive wheels, then handle a model, it could damage the paint. How do I know? Been there and done that!
There should be no problem using 70%
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
GM.....I have used 91% alcohol for 40 years to clean track and wheels. Track consists of Atlas turnouts and Model Power flex track.....all brass and still serves me well after 4 decades. Several hundred locomotives from all manufacturers have experienced NO adverse effects. When the going gets rough, I have resorted to lacquer thinner on a wooden Q-tip with NO adverse effects. That situation can apply to original Athearn BB with the sintered metal wheels. Those 40 year old locomotives still run just fine. That has been my experience. Good Luck!
G Paine Welcome to the forum!! There are 2 strengths is isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) 70% and 90%. The 90% is a good, plastic friendly paint stripper, so I would avoid it as a cleaner especially if you had weathered your rails. Also, if you get some on your fingers, like using it to clean locomotive wheels, then handle a model, it could damage the paint. How do I know? Been there and done that! There should be no problem using 70%
George,
Actually, there are three: 70%, 91%, and 99%. The first two you can easily purchase from your local pharmacy or grocery chain. The 99% is more difficult to find and you will more than likely need to purchase it from an online vendor. I picked up some from Amazon.com.
John,
Isopropyl alcohol is a decent degreaser. However, solvents like acetone, trichloroethylene, and lacquer thinner are MUCH better at it but also too aggressive on most plastic surfaces.
Of the three alcohols, 70% isopropyl is the most gentle and does remove dirt from track and wheels; it just takes longer. 91% & 99% contain less distilled water and are more aggressive on dirt but you do need to be more careful using them when handling painted items - e.g. your locomotives or rolling stock. However, as long as you don't drench your lent-free rag so that the alcohol pools on top of your railroad ties, using the higher octane 91% or 99% for cleaning your track shouldn't be an issue. I would stick with the 70% if your wheels are plastic or you plan to clean your wheels while they are still attached to your locomotive or rolling stock.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Not entirely OT to our original poster's question, but if you see isopropyl on great sale at WalMart look carefully because there is also 50% alcohol and they sell it!
Based on what it can do to paint, it might be that some forms of plastic could get brittle if kept in a sealed bath of isopropyl alcohol for long periods - months, years. But the bottles they sell it in are plastic (admittedly not styrene but plastic). You do not want to disturb your sleepers and routine use of the product such as he describes should not. For one thing it dries really fast.
Dave Nelson
I use lacquer thinner in my CMX car to clean track. I can carefully control the flow and drip rate, and the stuff is great. But, that is all the lacquer thinner is for. It is not for cleaning wheels, and I am very aware of how strong this stuff is.
But yeah, use isopropyl alcohol without fear. Just be careful not to think stronger solvents are also all right. Many are not.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Used the 91% for years with painted rails, never an issue.
Actually, if you want the 99% stuff, most auto parts stores carry isopropyl alcohol in small bottles for removing water from gas lines. At least the Berkible brand is indeed straight 99% stuff, nothing else added to it.
(Although, if you can find it online, it is probably cheaper in the larger sized bottles, ounce for ounce.)
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
I still need help people, please help, all help is appreciated, thanks.