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is there one fluid better than any other. i would like to know from the experienced RR out there. is alcohol just as good as any other or is there something better out there? Is there anything that helps to reverse or control oxidation?
and thanks to all those that have helped me with so many questions.
jerry
some Wahl's oil to coat and slow oxidation (nothing "prevents" it). I just use a small masonite pad (dry) suspended loosely under a car to clean most of the stuff that collects.
Are you running outside or in? What type of rail do you have?
i have nickel silver rail code 80. i am Nscale running inside.
thank you for helping.jerry
I just use a walthers cleaning car, spring loaded pad beneath the car.
a few laps and it's ok again.
Ken
I only ever seem to get the very odd dying or dead spot on my over 80 feet of trackage. I never clean my tracks, except in the instance above, and then only address the troublesome spot. My cleaner of choice is, and will remain, 600 grit sandpaper. Two or three quick swipes and I am back in business.
Be very careful of just grabbing any old solvent off the shelf to clean tracks. Many run plastic wheels on the rolling stock. Some solvents will attack plastic. I use an "eraser" type of track cleaner most of the time, and "Googone" on my track cleaning car roller. Good idea to set up some kind of a wheel cleaning arrangement on a spare piece of track for cleaning engine wheels. Various wheel cleaning gizmos can be had at Walthers and Micromart...avoiding the constant "trading" of dirt from wheels to track and track to wheels. An endless cycle
Allan
caution with abrasive cleaners, sandpaper, BrightBoy, etc: easy on the pressure!
the small scratches they can leave will increase surface oxidation and give more places for gunk to accumulate.
Next time you're near a Radio Shack, pick up a can of Contact Cleaner. Spray a bit just before the train and let it run it around the rails. You may need a few more sprays in bad spots but the contact cleaner will both clean and slow down the reoxidation of the track.
Forgot about the contact cleaner from RS. Also use'd it on the engine armatures...spray a bit on a Q tip and wipe it on. Reminds me of a neighbor who once called me because his engine from his new train set wasn't running. He'd set up the oval directly on a nylon carpet. Only thing that'll clean that is a pair of tweezers!
Be very careful of just grabbing any old solvent off the shelf to clean tracks. Many run plastic wheels on the rolling stock. Some solvents will attack plastic. I use an "eraser" type of track cleaner most of the time, and "Googone" on my track cleaning car roller. Good idea to set up some kind of a wheel cleaning arrangement on a spare piece of track for cleaning engine wheels. Various wheel cleaning gizmos can be had at Walthers and Micromart...avoiding the constant "trading" of dirt from wheels to track and track to wheels. An endless cycle
Allan
You might want to consider throwing your Goo-Gone away or just using it for the "around the house tasks" it was intended for. Goo-Gone leaves a residue behind that will eventually become a problem. Contact cleaner, and a very little Wahl's clipper oil will take care of everything, and no residue to worry about.
Espefan...appreciate the comment on Googone. The new layout I'm building is much smaller than the last one and I can reach all the track with the eraser...which I prefer to all the other methods. The best method is to keep 'em running.
Allan
I agree
Nothing beats elbow grease. I only use track cleaning cars on hidden trackage or track that can't be reached comfortably. I have a Centerline and two Aztec track cleaning cars. They work fine, but for speed, it's tough to beat the Bright Boy!
it is confusing i guess but thank you all for your replies. jerry
Can I use alcohol on my track. I have a dead spot on my test track.
Yes, you can use alcohol. Even better, if it's just a test track, use a Brite Boy or similar abrasive block, No mess and fast.
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