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Track Cleaning

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  • Member since
    February 2010
  • 36 posts
Track Cleaning
Posted by scott018 on Sunday, April 17, 2011 9:10 AM

Any good thoughts on whats the best track cleaning products? Have been using Goo Be Gone and regular track cleaner. Just looking for a better method.             Thanks

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by Hamltnblue on Sunday, April 17, 2011 9:15 AM

The best track cleaner is a lint free cloth and 91% alcohol.  Actually the best is to glem the track which results in not having to clean it very often.

Springfield PA

  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Mesa Arizona
  • 341 posts
Posted by mokenarr on Sunday, April 17, 2011 10:31 AM

I use a few methods,  When really dirty I use either Bright Boy or the Life Like track cleaner with a clean cloth.  I have been using bright boy on my N scale layout for 25 years and have had no adverse effects.  I also have made up a track cleaner in which I have a bright boy attacked to an old box car frame.  I run this around behind an engine around the mainline , while I am building kids etc.  this keeps it clean as long as I remember to do it.  As for buying track cleaning cars , I have one that rotates a big abrasive wheel , and has a magnet and a pipe cleaner looking thingis , and I do not beleive it does as good a job as my homemade one.

Old Steam loco's never die, they just lose thier fire.
  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Sunday, April 17, 2011 10:44 AM

I've found the GLEAM method to be the best way for me. It has worked for many others too. Here are some links.

Gleaming

Rails: To gleam or not to gleam

Gleaming Tracks

 

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  • Member since
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  • From: Franconia, NH
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Posted by dstarr on Sunday, April 17, 2011 11:08 AM

A perennial model railroading question.  Do some searching and lots of threads with lots of opinions will turn up.  Me, I use GooGone on a rag and wipe the track by hand.  I've also used alcohol (shellac thinner) and mineral spirits (paint thinner).  I don't use solvents more active than alcohol and mineral spirits (MEK, Acetone, lacquer thinner) for fear that they will eat plastic ties. 

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Sebring FL
  • 842 posts
Posted by floridaflyer on Sunday, April 17, 2011 11:30 AM

What blue and jeff said

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