I started a thread on this issue some time ago, and I got some excellent suggestions, but I never acted on them.
Now, I find myself in a situation where I want to modify a section of my layout, and I either need to salvage the flex track or dump it and buy new flex track - - an expensive proposition.
Long ago, I learned that it is a lot easier to remove ballasted track from the layout if you spray it first with 70% isopropyl alcohol to soften the matte medium. Great idea but it still leaves you with a piece of flex track thoroughly embedded with hardened ballast, rendering the flex track unusable.
The solution that most intrigued me was to soak the flex track in a solution of the 70% isopropyl alcohol, but that raised the question of what to use to hold the flex track while it soaked and how to prevent evaporation during the soaking process. I got some good advice on that issue and decided to use a length of PVC pipe, capped at both ends.
Yesterday evening, I finally got to work. I cut a 38" length of 1 1/2 inch PVC and capped one end of the pipe. Then, I inserted three 36" lengths of flex track into the pipe, filled it with one 32 oz. bottle of the rubbing alcohol and capped the other end. I let it sit overnight and then removed a length of flex track this morning. It appeared to be a molten mess. But, within minutes, using an old toothbrush, I was able to thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly, remove all of the ballast. Seriously, that piece of flex track looks "like new".
I have now placed three more sections of flex track in the pipe and topped off the rubbing alcohol. I doubt that I need to wait overnight, so I will look at the flex track now in the pipe after a few hours.
I am blown away at the ease of this solution and my only regret was how much flex track I have thrown away in the past before coming upon this solution.
Rich
Alton Junction
I've always used white glue to hold ballast in place. To remove the track and then clean up the ballast from the track only takes warm water.
The PVC pipe is a great idea. Sure beats the kiddie pool.
Good point about the white glue and water. When I first started out in HO scale back in 2004, the guys at the hobby shop talked me into matte medium. They said that it was quieter than while glue. Dunno, it seems pretty noisy with matte medium. What I have noticed is that it is a lot quieter if you ballast the track but don't glue it down at all.
White glue and wet water seems to break down better with alcohol.
Lynn
Present Layout progress
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/p/290127/3372174.aspx#3372174
Thanks for sharing your results.
Generally, speaking, any typical substance that is water based can be dissolved with alcohol, but a lot of times it takes the 90% stuff. Its good to know that you had great results with 70%.
I like the PVC container idea.
No reason to throw out track when we rebuild, IMO.
- Douglas
Doughless Thanks for sharing your results. Generally, speaking, any typical substance that is water based can be dissolved with alcohol, but a lot of times it takes the 90% stuff. Its good to know that you had great results with 70%. I like the PVC container idea. No reason to throw out track when we rebuild, IMO.
This is way too easy!
I assume when you scrubbed the track with a toothbrush you scrubbed as you pulled the track out more from the container.....letting the debris fall back into the bottom. It might get messy otherwise.
Have you changed out the solution or still use the original alcohol?
I think the alcohol will retain its potency for a long time even if there is a bunch of debris and gunk build up.
Won't the alcohol evaporate?
Doughless I assume when you scrubbed the track with a toothbrush you scrubbed as you pulled the track out more from the container.....letting the debris fall back into the bottom. It might get messy otherwise. Have you changed out the solution or still use the original alcohol? I think the alcohol will retain its potency for a long time even if there is a bunch of debris and gunk build up.
When I remove a length of flex track from the PVC pipe, I pull it straight up so that the alcohol runs down the rails back into the pipe. Then, I work on the flex track over the laundry tub.
I use a Shop Vac to vacuum up the ballast once the alcohol evaporates on the ballast.
So far, I have not replaced any alcohol in the pipe, but I do top it off. I don't see any evidence of evaporation inside the pipe.
richhotrain Good point about the white glue and water. When I first started out in HO scale back in 2004, the guys at the hobby shop talked me into matte medium. They said that it was quieter than while glue. Dunno, it seems pretty noisy with matte medium. What I have noticed is that it is a lot quieter if you ballast the track but don't glue it down at all. Rich
I moved my question to it's own thread.