HO scale track cleaning

[illyad2]

I can use some good advice on cleaning my tracks. I have been applying a liquid cleaner to my tracks for some time, and the tracks are still dirty. I have applied

copious amounts of liquid cleaner to tracks only to run a white cloth over the tracks and get residue. Is a liquid better for cleaning tracks vs an abrasive like an eraser? I have included photos of the liquid cleaner and erasers. Thanks you in advanced for helping me with this issue.

 

[kjd]

Track cleaning is one of those topics where you ask a dozen modelers and you will get at least 15 opinions. The black from clean track is the metal from the rail removed by the polish. I would stay away from anything more abrasive than about 1000 grit and that only for very dirty track. Abrasives put tiny scratches in the railhead that increase dirt collection. I use an acrylic block with 600 grit sandpaper. I’ve used the same block for 15 years and the sandpaper is full and basically burnishes the railhead.

A few years ago MRH magazine did an extensive look at different methods. It is a free magazine and has a search function.

 

[migalyto]

I have tried them all!

Best thing I found (in my circumstance anyways) is Mineral Spirits. I find I only have to clean track a couple times a year and usual its
just spots that stutter. I bought a gallon years ago for cleaning stain and varnish brushes and a gallon will be a lifetime supply for me.
i don't use anything abrasive on my rails. It supposedly puts micro scratches and causes arcing with dirties the track too. So I have read.
Makes sense so I didn't do it.

Another thing to keep in mind is your rolling stock and locomotive wheels. If they are not cleaned periodically they will introduce dirt on the
track as well. I don't know if its true but I have heard thru the years that plastic wheels are worse for collecting gunk. Don't know if that's true since
I have all metal wheels. That may attribute why I don't clean track very often. I also run DCC with keep alive in all my locomotives and that makes
them less susceptible to dirty sections.

 

[Marlin39]

I agree with Mike. Mineral spirits is one of the least dielectric solvents to use. It's all I use. I won't use anything abrasive because it will leave micro scratches that can retain corrosion.

 

[ctclibby]

Yup, agree with the above. No abrasives period. Also, when you clean the track - clean *all* the wheels too. 1st time is a PITA, but it gets easier after that.

L8r

 

[RhB Michael]

I use CRC Contact Cleaner. Works well.

In the past, or if I'm out of CRC, I will use acetone in a pinch.

My track generally stays clean for a long time, but I do probably clean more often than most here because of the rubber traction tires almost all of my locomotives use except for the Bemo locomotives. It is the only European brand I've come across that do not use traction tires.

 

[2Tracks]

Paul mentioned the article from MRH magazine, it's worth checking out.....

 

[santafewillie]

Agree with all of the above. I use mineral spirits now instead of IPA. And instead of using an abrasive eraser like a Walther's Bright Boy, I use an old fashioned pink school eraser. Mostly though, I run trains often as that also keeps track cleaner in my opinion.

 

[Rico]

I’ll add put some cleaner on a piece of paper towel or J-cloth then lay it over the track and hold a locomotive on it while the wheels turn. You’ll be surprised how much gunk comes off the wheels and how much better things will run.

I’ll also run a whole train over it sometimes and clean the cars wheels too.

 

[TLOC]

I’ve read all Joe Fugate articles on track cleaning. Personally I don’t care what the science says my best longest lasting is a fiber cloth and 91% Isopropyl Alcohol and running the trains.

I recently for 6/27 helped a friend build his layout. I cleaned most of his trackage with odorless Mineral Spirits because it’s the what he has used. Does it clean, absolutely. Is it better than Isopropyl Alcohol? I didn’t think so but his track is clean. How long will it last, we will find out in September.

A $3.00 bottle of IPA @91% concentration will last 3-4 cleanings depending on layout size. It doesn’t smell as strong like the odorless Mineral spirits does that yes still gives off a smell. So does IPA but both are gone quickly.

Just pick something that doesn’t leave a residue or film and go with it for a year.

I agree totally with Willie, run your trains.

Clean locomotive wheels AND ALL other rolling stock besides cleaning the track

 

[kgstakes]

I've use many different "cleaners" and I found that alcohol worked pretty good but what I've found that works really well for my switching layout is a good ole' fashion pink eraser. Believe it or not it is "abrasive" enough to get all the "gunk" off the tracks and once I had the track cleaned. I check the track to see if it needs cleaned by running a finger on the rail. If black is on my finger I run the eraser over all the tracks and it will clean it all off.

The eraser is all I use now and I don't have any dirty track problems any more. Give it a try, you probably have one in your desk, won't hurt anything.

 

[Iron Horseman]

I can use some good advice on cleaning my tracks. I have been applying a liquid cleaner to my tracks for some time, and the tracks are still dirty. I have appliedView attachment 271205 copious amounts of liquid cleaner to tracks only to run a white cloth over the tracks and get residue. Is a liquid better for cleaning tracks vs an abrasive like an eraser? I have included photos of the liquid cleaner and erasers. Thanks you in advanced for helping me with this issue.

Personally I won't let an abrasive (bright boy, sand paper, scouring powder) anywhere close to the rails. I use a cleaner similar to the Bachmann one you have there.

I will add that I use a real linen cloth (200+ thread count) rather than cotton. And also mention to clean the inside rail edge too not just the top.

 

[illyad2]

Track cleaning is one of those topics where you ask a dozen modelers and you will get at least 15 opinions. The black from clean track is the metal from the rail removed by the polish. I would stay away from anything more abrasive than about 1000 grit and that only for very dirty track. Abrasives put tiny scratches in the railhead that increase dirt collection. I use an acrylic block with 600 grit sandpaper. I’ve used the same block for 15 years and the sandpaper is full and basically burnishes the railhead.

A few years ago MRH magazine did an extensive look at different methods. It is a free magazine and has a search function.

Thanks for the good consel