Track cleaning methods

[jecorbett]

At another modelers suggestion, I switched from Rail Zip to Flix several years ago for track cleaning. I love how Flix cleans the track but the find it to be a little messy. It seems no matter how careful I am, it ends up getting between the rails and on the ties. If I don't get it cleaned off the inside of the rails, it ends up turning to a green tarnish. This wasn't an issue with Rail Zip because it was invisible when it dried.

My method is to wrap a piece of paper towel around my index finger to apply it and use another paper towel to wipe. If I try to move quickly when I apply it, I usually end up smearing it inside the rails. I have tried applying it with a Q-tip but that was even messier. I have I large layout so I need to be able to move quickly. Does anyone have a quick and easy technique for applying Flix that is also neat or do I just have to accept that this is going to be a slow and tedious task.

[ICRR1964]

I have used the Flix polish at times, but do not like the mess it leaves behind, and it takes for ever as you stated. I have gone back to the old school of cleaning rails the easy way. Take an old box car that does not mean allot to you first.

1. take a small piece od masonite that measures 1.250 by 2.000 or so long and file a bevel on the short ends.

2.then epoxy 2 roofing nails to the back side of the masonite, keeping the bevel going up so it won't catch on track work, space nails apart about 1.500 from the point of the nails.

3.drill 2 holes in the bottom of the old box car about 1.500 apart, with over sized holes.

4. add some weight to the box car for stabality and drop the masonite with the nails glued to it in bottom of box car then.

5. you can run the the cleaner car solo, or with you regular freight, switch yards are another story though.

This is an old trick that appeared in MR mag years ago, the masonite is a man made masonary board that is really smooth, but shines up metal surfaces. Just a thought.

[cmrproducts]

Use an old piece of HO cork (for those that are HOers) and put a little metal polish on the cork and just rub it on the rails. Then use a clean piece of cork and buff it .

I can do 10 to 20 feet in 30 seconds or less but really don't have to do it much. Last time was a little over 3 years ago. That is the reason for using the metal polish only cleaning the rails once.

BOB H Clarion, PA

[Anonymous]

I run only metal wheels, so don't need to clean often. Even with DCC and several Broadway and Soundtraxx engines. But when I do, the best I've found is the Clean Machine (from Tony's, although I think others sell it now). It's pricey, but well worth it in my experience.

[jecorbett]

Bob

Funny you should mention that because I was just downstairs cleaning my staging yard tracks and I found a scrap piece of foam roadbed laying around and I applied it just as you said. It went on much neater and I was able to work about 3 times as fast as when I was applying it with paper towels. A little bit would go down on the ties but not nearly as much as when I was applying it with a paper towel. I guess secret is to have a flat applicator that applies to both rails at once which will prevent you from dipping down between the rails. Suddenly, cleaning the entire layout isn't looking like a weekend long project. Maybe a half day at most (I have a lot of track and haven't run the railroad since last spring so it is very dirty).

[cmrproducts]

jecorbett

I use paste polish and just put a thin coating on the cork. This way you may not get as much on the ties. The old cork is quite stiff so it does not bend much when I apply pressure on the rails.

Use a clean cloth to wipe up the polish as soon as it gets on the ties might also help.

I had a lot on my ties but then I had others helping me do the layout the first time and they were not as carefull as I was in their application so I had a lot of poli***o clean off!

BOB H - Clarion, PA

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Pondini

I run only metal wheels, so don't need to clean often. Even with DCC and several Broadway and Soundtraxx engines. But when I do, the best I've found is the Clean Machine (from Tony's, although I think others sell it now). It's pricey, but well worth it in my experience.

Hi, I'm planning to buy a track cleaning car and so far the clean machine seems most appealing. What cleaning fluid are you using? Is there anything I should know before buying one? Are there others that you have heard good things about?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by soolinecorky

QUOTE: Originally posted by Pondini

I run only metal wheels, so don't need to clean often. Even with DCC and several Broadway and Soundtraxx engines. But when I do, the best I've found is the Clean Machine (from Tony's, although I think others sell it now). It's pricey, but well worth it in my experience.

Hi, I'm planning to buy a track cleaning car and so far the clean machine seems most appealing. What cleaning fluid are you using? Is there anything I should know before buying one? Are there others that you have heard good things about?

I tried several liquid "track cleaners" that were ok, but leave some residue and track gets dirty again quickly. Then I tried acetone, which works great! It's nasty stuff, though: be sure the area is well-ventilated, keep kids & pregnant women away, don't spill on painted surfaces, etc., but it's like magic!

Here's a link to Tony's track cleaning products. There's reviews, etc., including a pro and con of various methods. Also . . . Tony has a money-back guarantee -- if you don't think it's the best, he'll do a full refund! (I doubt if he's had to make many, if any). If in doubt, call them -- they're super with info.

http://tonystrains.com/products/tteexclusive_cmx.htm

[cmrproducts]

Why does everyone like to clean track?

Using the metal polish stops the need for track cleaning. I am just starting my 3rd year of not having to do anything to my track other than run trains on it.

Or is this the only reason/excuse you have to run your trains!

BOB H - Clarion PA