Best Method of Track Cleaning And Frequency?

always clean track before you operate, NEVER afterwards.  in even a slightly humid atmosphere or air conditioned room, squeaky clean track will easy pick up a light layer of rust with nothing protecting the surface.

Don't use simple green or similar. It will melt the plastic; no going back, no washing it off, just dont.

And not from knowledge, but I'd worry about any solvent or lube not labeled as, or known to be, plastic safe.

Thank you guys for the advice. I've heard the same about simple green as well on other boards. Definitely not on my list. Someone mentioned rubbing alcohol? Have you guys tried this at any point?

I run on tubular. I can't vouch for FT, but alcohol is what I use. It does remove any oils leaving the raw metal exposed to easier rusting. There's always a balance of compromises unique for each layout. Oil is good for metal preservation, bad for traction.

Lately I've used a firearms cleaner, lube, protector called Sheath Rust Preventive on my new old locos to work on getting rid of rust, and general oiling. I got some on the track because I didn't let the loco sit on a towel overnight for gravity to remove the excess, and was surprised how quickly the wheel spin ceased with a simple wipe and a few loops. Plastic safe, made by Birchwood Casey, I really like this product.

   Days after, I noticed a dry old rust spot down low had been penetrated by the oil. That means this stuff really creeps over the surface thinly and doesn't stop creeping to dry areas. That's great!

For a cloth less prone to snags, try denim. I haven't yet, but it was a recent suggestion for use on track cleaning cars by Ace. It sounds like a great idea.

(search those threads on how to make one, or buy one from a mfg to save on elbow grease)

I actually had never cleaned my track when it was out from approx. Nov to March - June depending and was fine for 40+ years. But once on a table 24-7-365, that changed. It seems to collect far more crud up high...?????

This sounds like a great product, especially plastic safe. So many potential solvents out there but suck with plastic. I will look into trying this stuff for sure, thank you.

I noticed the elevation issue as well. When I ran the track on the floor before I made a tabletop layout I definitely noticed less dust!

Original liquid GooGone applied to a folded white cloth (cut up old T-shirts).

Three fingers press down on the three rail tops through the wet cloth. Refold often as the cloth gets soiled.

Follow with a dry cloth to remove GooGone residue. This will prevent GooGone from negatively affecting Rubber traction tires.

No automated device works better and I found that GooGone lifts the black carbon/grease much easier and better than alcohol.

find the post by laidoffsick

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...09#65766288895687409

I clean my FT with a lightly damp paper towel and lots of elbow grease.  For really thick or stubborn spots I'll use rubbing alcohol.  I've had most of the FT since 2009 and no rust or traction issues.

I use Acetone with a soft rag and it is very easy,I used to scotch brite and a wiping cloth afterward,I have tubular track and my friends use it  on Gargraves  and Atlas track.

Mikey

Goo gone is a great product. I used it near daily at work and never had an issue except for lifting paint on a few  repaints.

The one to avoid is Good off. I think gasoline is safer.

NEVER NEVER NEVER SIMPLE GREEN.....NEVER.  A former forum member used it and had to replace his track.  I used it once on a vintage bicycle chain to remove old grease.  It destroyed the chain.  Removed the old grease then the chain rusted and froze overnight, never to move again.  This was after thinking I had dried the item completely.