Brass track cleaning

[Anonymous]

I have some 30 year old brass track from when I was a kid. It has oxidized and I have cleaned it with a metal cleaner.I was wondering if it was even worth it or just go to nickel silver and be done with it

[Jetrock]

Go to nickel-silver and be done with it.

[mrgstrain]

Hi: I am still useing all my old brass track , everyone say's throw it out and use ns, i can not afford to do so at this time, i have no problem with it. If you are going to throw it out donations are accepted.

Larry

[cwclark]

yes..throw it out and replace it with nickel silver...I used brass for years and spent most of my time cleaning rail...(once a month)...now with the nickel silver once a year is sufficient...Chuck

[FJ and G]

might look good on a lightly used spur that is within easy reach for cleaning

[jkeaton]

I have some 25 year old brass Tyco track stored in boxes - I pulled out a box three months back and set up a test track for a new loco, and to check a couple of old ones I haven't used in a while. All ran without any track cleaning or trouble! So, if you have a use for the brass track, use it (though I'd avoid using it in a tunnel or other inaccessible spot, just in case).

Jim

[RoyalOaker]

I have several old brass turn outs that I still use. I am choosing to spend my money on new motive power and other items for the layout. They are all working well and I really don't spend to much time cleaning them. (perhaps every six months)

I have updated many of my cars with metal wheels and I have learned through this forum that this reduces the amount of cleaning needed.

If you have the means to replace the track then do it, if not, I would not worry about it right away.

[jwar]

[#welcome]

First of all wellcome back to Model railroading and to your forum.

I also returned to modelel railroading and probabley had some brass track from the same batch of brass you have LOL. I elected to use to brass turnouts and go with NS track. I will replace the brass turnouts later as I only use them in the yard, but prioritys of getting my layout further along comes first.

Its your railroad and $$$$$ is somtimes a toss up to do what we need to do. Brass will work and NS is better. Whatever you do...toss the brass rail joiners and get NS joiners.

Changing out to metal wheels is the key and Maus cleaner works well on NS and brass.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the great responses.It gave me some stuff to think of and some handy things to try. Tony63

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FJ and G

might look good on a lightly used spur that is within easy reach for cleaning

[#ditto]
Don't throw it out. Paint it a dark rust color and dump it in a ravine with a decoposed gondola on top of it, with a little dirt and weeds scattered around for a old wreck scene.
Maybe abandond track or static displays too. Salvage the frogs, guard rails and straight rails for hand laying turnouts.