Track Cleaning Fluid Ingredients?

[Anonymous]

I am working on a little project and need to get a couple gallons of non toxic track cleaning fluid. Does anyone know what it is made of, or where I can get it in a gallon or quart sizes. Or any other ideas on another non toxic fluid that can be used without infringing on a patent?

[dougdagrump]

We use only denatured alcohol on the club layout, it is plastic friendly and dries very quickly without leaving any residue. [^]

[wrmcclellan]

[#ditto]

[Anonymous]

Isopropyl alcohol works well and is relatively low toxicity. This is rubbing alcohol. Please be wary of denatured alcohol labels. Denatured just means undrinkable. Some alcohols are by there very nature "denatured" and are extrememly toxic. You can denature ethanol by adding small amounts of other chemicals.

DO NOT USE METHANOL (aka wood alcohol). This can be poisonous just from skin contact or prolonged exposure to vapor.

chuck

[dougdagrump]

Isoprpyl will leave a residue on the tracks.

[Dr. John]

I'm not sure if there is a non-toxic liquid track cleaner. Even isoprpyl alcohol is toxic if you were to drink it.

Some of the citrus-based cleaners might work, but I've never tried them. Not sure if they're non-toxic or not. Also unsure about residue.

Is there a reason you are looking for non-toxic? And are you speaking of breathing in fumes or a child accidently swallowing it? If fumes are your only concern, stick with an alcohol based cleaner - does the job with no residue. I agree with Chuck - avoid methanol, ether, or any product with dangerous fumes.

[Anonymous]

You can get Isopropynol in 70% and 99% strengths. The later will not leave a residue. It will also evaporate while you are looking at it so don't leave it uncorked (or use it near any type of open flame).

chuck

FYI:

http://www.centerline-products.com/cleaning.htm

Some of the stuff listed is definitely TOXIC and should be used with care.

[Anonymous]

It does not leave any residue since its only ingredients are isopropyl alcohol and water.

Check out this site: http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/chem00/chem00102.htm

[Anonymous]

The reason for a non toxic fluid is so it can be shipped easily, and to avoid any health related/liability issues. I think the alcohol may evaporate too fast for I have in mind. I have used the Lionel and Life-Like track cleaners with good results and wanted to know what those are made from or a source for a similar product that I could resell.

[Dr. John]

I'm pretty sure that both the Lionel and Life-Like fluids are alcohol based.

[Anonymous]

But there must be something else in it to reduce the alcohol smell. I need a chemist and a lab, but my R&D budget is pretty much spent on the electricity to run the computer. [:)]

[Roger Bielen]

Houdy - I believe the manufacturers add fragrance, or masking fragrances, to their cleaners but as mentioned they are alcohol based. Be careful concerning shipment of flammable liquids in quantity, after a certain amount the cost could far exceed the value. After a certain amount there is a good deal of paperwork that goes along with the process.

[Dr. John]

I guess I need to add a sign by my track that reads, "Warning! Do Not Lick the Rails!"

That would be a conversation starter! [:D]

[Anonymous]

""Warning! Do Not Lick the Rails!""

Especially when the power is on!

[Jumijo]

I use 90% isopropal alchohol. You can buy it Walmart for under a buck. I'd guess 4 or 5 bottles would make close to a gallon, so that would set you back $5.00. This stuff works incredibly well. I wipe my FasTrack down with it once a week.

Jim

[Buckeye Riveter]

I have a track cleaning car by Center Line and I use Goo Gone to clean the track and then install a "dry" roller to wipe off any excess.

Outside on the Garden RR, I have used LGB Track Cleaner and Smoke and it does okay, but the Goo Gone works much better. (Outdoor track gets ten times dirtier than inside. Bird droppings do happen.)[:D]

Houdy, instead of shipping fluids, it may be easier for you to ship a coupon for $$$$ off of a certain product. Obvioulsy, from what I read, you are not trying to invent a new fluid.

[FJ and G]

This is a good question.

I think that track cleaner products should contain ingredients on the label, simply for the reason that, if ingested, medical personnel or caregivers should know how to respond (i.e., what anecdote to use such as, milk, water, vomiting etc; obviously, I'm not a medical person or consumer safety specialist.; just a thought).

[Anonymous]

Right! That way, even if the Emergency Room staff couldn't save you, they could lighten your final moments with a few snappy stories....

(I'm sorry, David. Some days I'm so evil I can't stand myself.)

wolverine49

[FJ and G]

w,

someone might think that "track cleaner" means "cleans urinary tract" :-)

who knows, sillier lawsuits have resulted

[Anonymous]

Quite so, David.

I absolutely agree with the point you were making, and I shouldn't screw around with such a serious thread..

wolverine49

[Roger Bielen]

By law all manufacturers of chemical, etc. must have MSDS's available upon request, for large quantity shipments its usually part of the paperwork. MSDS = manufacturer's safety data sheet. Suprisingly many common personal care products are considered hazardous materials because they are irretants or flammable.