Good idea for cleaning track?

[oplholik]

How about using an electric sander or one of the multifunction tools with a hook and loop pad, attach a fiber cleaning pad to that? Anyone try this with any success? Seems like it would make cleaning track quicker and easier. Maybe this has been asked before and I've missed it, whaddya think?

 

[hamltnblue]

Probably overkill and might score the railheads making them get dirty faster. I just use 91% rubbing alcohol. Others use denatured alcohol which works better.

 

[Motley]

Recently I had some problem spots on the rails. And I tried using alcohol and it didn't help. Then I tried 400 grit sandpaper, helped a little bit better. But then I used paint thinner and it really cleaned the rails right up. I just took a rag with my finger along the top side of the rails, not to get any thinner on the ties.

 

[zoegraf]

I vacum my track about once a month and in between that I use this.
I run it around my layout a few times in both directions with a switcher.
On my sidings, I use this: http://www.perfectpartscompany.com/PerfectRailroadMainFrame.htm
I find that their Track Cleaner is less abrasive than that of the Bright Boy.
Sometimes I wrap a sheet of paper tight around a small wooden block and put a little alcohol on it and wipe the rails with it.

 

[CBCNSfan]

I vacum my track about once a month and in between that I use this.
I run it around my layout a few times in both directions with a switcher.
On my sidings, I use this: http://www.perfectpartscompany.com/PerfectRailroadMainFrame.htm
I find that their Track Cleaner is less abrasive than that of the Bright Boy.
Sometimes I wrap a sheet of paper tight around a small wooden block and put a little alcohol on it and wipe the rails with it.

I used pretty much the same thing when mine was running. Slightly different though, instead of the block I used a piece of Masonite (rough side to the track). I had them on each train, didn't add anything else to it, seemed to work well as the rails stayed polished.
Cheers
Willis

 

[Larry]

I do the same thing as Willis. I have 2 boxcars w/a pc. of 1/4" masonite laying on the rails. I run them in all trains, even a passenger consist. the only time I clean track is when I don't run trains for 2 or 3 months. I 1st use 600 grit wet or dry sandpaper & then wipe it down w/91% alcohol w/a soft cloth on the end of my finger. It's about a 3 hr. job on my layout w/over 600ft of track & tons of sidings.

 

[Graham Line]

The Masonite blocks are very effective on track, as long as you remember to bevel the ends so they don't catch at frogs and switch points.

A cork works well to clean rail, and sometimes a couple drops of alcohol makes it more effective.

 

[oplholik]

Thanks guys. Masonite eh? I have some of that and will give it a try tomorrow. Haven't run anything in so long due to working on the layout, it's always a mess. I'll try rubbing it along the rails by hand after a good vacuuming and wiping with alcohol.

 

[tankist]

How about using an electric sander or one of the multifunction tools with a hook and loop pad, attach a fiber cleaning pad to that? Anyone try this with any success? Seems like it would make cleaning track quicker and easier. Maybe this has been asked before and I've missed it, whaddya think?

i doubt the vibration passed from the tool to rail will be very good to ballast. for now cleaning by hand

 

[oplholik]

Hey guys, just wanted to say the masonite block works great. I wiped the rails down with acochol first, then used a piece of masonite, then wiped down again, good idea, thanks.

 

[yrusoslo]

I use a brass tanker, fill it with alcohol, alcohol drip onto pad, push it around with a swither