Cleaning Kato N scale Tracks and Diesel Loco's

[ALL]

 Hi,

I have Kato Track and Loco's that are in need of cleaning. I bought a Walther's Bright Boy which is helpful.

I am also looking for suggestions for liquids to clean the loco wheels and the tracks with a rag.

Someone told me that both Rubbing Alcohol and Denatured Alcohol will work but before I tried it, I thought I would ask here.

Thanks so much,

ALL

[JoeinPA]

 

ALL:

Unless your track and wheels are extremely dirty alcohol will work well.  You can use either 70% or 91% isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol(ethanol).  The 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol is a good choice for all around use.

Joe

[Lake]

 To clean the wheels on my N scale engines I put a piece of paper towel over a section of straight track. Then with rubbing alcohol dampen the paper towel over the track about 2" to 3'' from the edge. With the power on to the engine hold the loco so one set of wheels on the paper towel and the other on the track. As the wheels on the towel rotate they will rub dirt of onto the towel. Turn the engine around and do the same with the other set of wheels. Move the towel over a little and repeat until no more gunk comes off. 

The track needs to be cleaned with the alcohol also after using a brite-boy as the gunk is loosened but, not removed. At this time and until I get a track cleaner in a few months, I hold a piece of cloth sheet with alcohol to the bottom off a small wood block and wipe the track. Changing the cloth as needed. Though I have gleamed the tracks I do not use a brightboy just the cloth and alcohol.