Cleaning rails with metal polish

[Anonymous]

I remember seeing something about using metal poli***o clean rails, but I can't remember where. Does anyone remember the product or ever tried using poli***o clean or treat the rails?

[dknelson]

it was just in Model Railroader two issues ago

[JeremyB]

Hi There

I have used metal polish with great results, there is a polish called "FLITZ" that works great my rails looked chrome plated, you can find it at most hardware stores,there is alos a polish called maas that can be used but I have never used this one but I have seen that one in the grocery store.Hope that helps

Jeremy

[Anonymous]

MR JAN 03. MAAS is a $3.00 paste tube from Walmart.
www.maasinc.com
This stuff works great on my HO track/loco wheels.
I have used the $64.00 centerline track cleaning car
and the $99.00 Tony's clean machine and have taken them out of service.
If you are HO, less than 200' of track , single deck
can reach aoo your track, then give it a try.

N-scalers may have a traction problem because their locos may weigh in around 4 oz.

[Anonymous]

thanks for all the information.

[Anonymous]

Do these cleaners leave any residue? I use Mothers wheel cleaner for my custom aluminum wheels and they look like mirrors when Im done. But there is an white left over polish every where. Is this the same with these?
Thanks
Icemanmike2-Milwaukee

[Anonymous]

Here's a few tricks.
1)Use a small block of work similar to that of a brite boy or the brite boy itself.
2)Cut a piece of old T-shirt material down to size
and wrap it around the block/bb.
3)Rub the MAAS into the material and drag across the
top rail. Using the block and not your fingers almost eliminates getting it between the rails and
on everything else.
4)Follow up by using the same procedure BUT substituting an untreated T-shirt material to wipe
it off. Do not let the MASS dry. I have two blocks, the cleaner & the wiper.

Remember, no cleaner prevents oxidation. It's a normal chemical reaction.

[Anonymous]

It's funny that your last post is exactly what I did. I went out and bought the Flitz (they didn't have MAAS) and I tried to wrap the end of my finger with a cloth. The Flitz got on the ties and balast and was a mess. I took the cloth and wrapped it around my bright boy, I'll use a block of wood next time, and did just what you discribed with great results. My trains ran great. I also put a small amount on a cloth and laid it over the rails with the polish side up. I then placed one truck of a locomotive over it and run it for a short time while I held the locomotive. Then I fliped it around and did the other truck. The wheels were bright and shinny.

There is no left over residue on the rails after you use the clean dry cloth to do the final polish. When you first put the polish on the rails look hazy and the polish cream turns from blue to black. But after you run the clean cloth over them they get shinny like chrome.

[Anonymous]

Wonder when the LHS will pick up on this stuff?

[Anonymous]

It sounds just like what I use for my car. Good idea about using a small wood block. Ill pass the info along!
Icemanmike2-Milwaukee

[RedLeader]

I use for my rails calcium carbonate powder. It isn't messy and easy to use, and quick. Just rub some small amount of the powder with a cotton cloth and then polish it with a clean one. Just a couple of passes and the rails look chrome shiny. An advantage of calcium carbonate, is that it conducts electricity. The best thing, is that this thing is really cheap! and non toxic, TUMS are made of it!! so it's good for your stomach, bones and your layout!

[Anonymous]

NeverDull is a good source, Braso and carpet felt is another. Ater wiping the rail dry you can use silicone spray to protect the rails and still get good electrical contact quality. DO not spary it on, sray it on a piece of felt and apply to top of the rails.

Happy Bright rails to you!

[Anonymous]

try "GOO-GONE",find at local drug store,hobby store,train store,hardware store & etc.