Rubbing alcohol definately work and quite cheap. I use that and recently bought CRC 2-26. Is one better than another?
Len S makes a very good point. Any of the suggested solvents can casue damage if used excessively. Careful application is always a good practice. I've had good results with wetting a block of Homasote with alcohol and rubbing along the rail tops. I haven't tried wetting wood but it sounds like a good idea. I have used a basswood stick to remove glue left over from ballasting.
Joe
LenSJust be careful as the alcohol could take the paint off the sides of your rails. We use the masonite glued to a wood block at our club. Len S
Len S
I was about to post the same caution. One of our volunteers had been cleaning wheels with 90%, and got some on his fingers. The next thing he knew the alcohol had dissolved some of the detail paint on a locomotive. Fortunately, we had some decals matching the damaged details and could repair it.
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
I've used both 70% and 90% isopropyl alcohol and haven't found much difference. Some use lacquer thinner. I've tried it and found alcohol to be just as good and not as aggressive on plastic ties etc.
Just be careful as the alcohol could take the paint off the sides of your rails. We use the masonite glued to a wood block at our club.
90 % alcohol is also great for wheel cleaning, locos I wet an edge of paper towel, lay over rails and run each truck while powering up and holding the engine (a bit of jiggling the truck while running will clean the flanges). A bit easier on diesel over steam drivers. This will also work for built up crud on rolling stock, just move over the wet towel.
For hand cleaning track w/ alcohol, I like to use a cloth wrapped around a wood block. Most club track cleaning is done w/ track cleaning cars though. Hand clean yards and after scenery work.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
retsignalmtrConsider using a Masonite slider car (aka John Allen car) in each train you run.
Once before each operation session should work. I been in clubs where we clean track only when needed and still had flawless operation for several weeks between track cleaning sessions. One club we just shoved a "JA" car around the layout that had a bright boy attached before operation and that was in the era of brass track and locomotives with brass wheels..
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Alcohol, naphtha (lighter fluid), electronics cleaner (Radio Shack or Parts Express); I use whatever is at hand, all good.
90% Alcohol is better than 70%. Consider using a Masonite slider car (aka John Allen car) in each train you run. They are easy to make and work great.
I use 90% myself. Alcohol is good stuff for cleaning rails. It also cuts dried matte medium, so if you used that to bind your ballast the alcohol helps with the cleanup from that.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I was wondering if it is OK to use plain old rubbing alcohol ( 70% isopropyl alcohol ) to clean track. I have a rather large railroad and have found the alcohol does a good job. I have only clearned about a 10 foot section and it works very well. My question is, before I clean the rest, does anyone see an issue with potential track damage? It immediately takes the black carbon right off the rail heads. Trains run great right after cleaning with this. Using code 83 nickel silver Thanks, Rob