I belong to the Redford Model Railroad Club in Michigan.. The members of the club are sticking to the thought that Wahl's Oil is "the best thing to clean the track with." But lately all of my engines wheels are getting gummed up...
When I used to belong to another train club all we used was either rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol to clean the track.. Does Wahl oil clean the track or does It just put a conductive coating on the track to keep electrical contact between the pick up trucks and the metal rails???
It helps with electrical contact BUT causes the dirt to build up on the wheels!
We did at our club way back in the mid 80's and could not figure out why cars were derailing in the middle of straight track!
We found that there were NO Flanges left as the dirt had built up so much on the wheels!
That was the end of the Wahl Oil
We now use Metal Polish and do not have to clean the track anymore
My home layout with 3600 feet of track used this back in 2003 and I have not did a major track clean since!
Use what ever methods you like
BUT!
I know what works for me and Cleaning Track is NOT something I like to do or use Track Cleaning Trains as an Excuse to run Trains!
BOB H - Clarion, PA