track cleaning frequency?

[pa steam]

How often do you need to clean track when running DCC loco's? I ask because it seems that I need to do it every few days anymore. I have only been using a brite boy on the rails and they have quite a bit of black oxidation that is affecting the operation of the loco's. I recently cleaned the loco wheels with isopropyl alcohol. What can I use to clean my track (code 100 nickel silver) to hopefully keep them clean longer?

 

[Larry]

I only run DC & when I don't run my trains very often I have to clean the track more. I also run masonite blocks under boxcars in almost all of my trains which does an excellent job at keeping the track clean. I also use 800 to 1200 grit wet or dry sandpaper to clean my tracks & then clean the dust off w/rubbing alcohol 71%. I have a high dust area in my trainroom & over 600ft. of track to clean which takes a long time to do.

 

[Selector]

This is a problem that literally plagues some people's layouts. But, you have asked, and in my case I never have to clean my layout's rails. I let it sit in a forced-air heated home, and I can see the dust on some bare shelves. I just crank 'er up and run trains. About the only problem I'll admit to is sometimes having to swipe the inside faces of some points for better contact...and I use 600 grit paper for that. And it's not like I have the same problem with the same turnouts, and that the sandpaper is a no-no. My experience is that sandpaper works very well if it is clean and fine, and if used sparingly. And that is precisely how it works for me...here and there...rarely.

 

[Motley]

I found that alcohol doesn't quite clean the best. So I use paint thinner, with an old shirt, and wrap it around my fingers along the top of the rails.

Then I found an amazing product called CRC Electronics Cleaner. I got at my local auto parts store. I did the same application, using an old tee shirt along the top of the rails.

After that, It's been 4 months since I've last cleaned the rails, with trouble free operation (DCC).

 

[Lightstorm]

You may also need to clean the wheels on your rolling stock as they can pick up lots of dirt and after a track cleaning the dirt goes from all those wheels right back onto your rails again. This is even worse with plastic wheels than metal wheels as the plastic holds the dirt better.

 

[pa steam]

Thanks for the replies. I will definately try your suggestions. I recently cleaned all my locomotive wheels but not my rolling stock. Looks like I have some work to do.

 

[frog]

I use a brite boy on mine, denatured alcohol on the loco wheels, but I want to try the electronic cleaner out. All of it I can find is in a spray form so far though. Rather have it in a regular bottle or can I would think.

As to my track, 2 or 3 times a year, depends on how much you run your trains. My layout is inside a controlled enviroment. We have 2 cats but they are not allowed in the train room.

 

[Rico]

Another thing to watch for is factory blackened metal wheels.
I had to change out my Walthers passenger car sets for example as they just kept wearing off and onto the track.

I forgot to mention I have a friend's Center Line rail cleaner that I run around every other day.
Can't say enough good things about it, does a great job and even gets into the bridges and hidden track!
(I don't think he's getting it back...)

 

[rhoward]

I use something called the Gleam method. I rarely have to do anything after doing this. You can read about it Here.

Works.... just works....!

 

[Y3a]

I Have a maintenance train that drags an open bottom gondola around with a weighted box in the opening that has abright boy attached to the bottom. I drag it with two old Athern Trainmasters. 4-5 times around the mainline while I use another bright boy on the sidings and yard trackage. Once a year all my cars get their metal wheels cleaned by rolling them over a piece of flex track draped with some paper towels with some paint thinner on it. I have about 200 hoppers, and about 90 other types so it takes the better part of a weekend to clean them up. My engines are all steamers except for the trainmasters. The steamers are supported on two or three blocks of wood to support their frames and I use a Q-tip with thinner to get them clean while the drivers spin.

 

[bobwrgt]

I run my trains about everyday for at least an hour. They are in the basement. Have NS track. Never (6-7 years now) cleaned the wheels on my engines. Once a month I wipe down the track with paint thinner (mineral spirits). Every three months i clean the wheels on the rolling stock. Same paint thinner on a rag or paper towel. So far no problems. .
I would try not to use anything abrasive on the wheels or rails.

Bob

 

[ICG/SOU]

Folks here that use liquid solvents (alcohol, etc.) on their track: is your track painted or weathered? If so, does your cleaning regimen ruin the paint or weathering? Thanks in advance.