I wasn't the one that started the conversation of how difficult it is to solder to Gargraves track. 
I use a gun because I find it more convenient, and the quick and plentiful heat makes the soldering job quick and easy. I grab the gun and squeeze the trigger, by the time I have it in position to solder, it's up to temperature, no time wasted.
Truthfully, all the other stuff you mentioned doing a track drop takes far more time than the quick solder connection to the track. If you're using new or newer Gargraves tinplate, the only cleaning you have to do is to remove the blackening from the center rail, I didn't do anything but solder to the outside tin rails for any of the Gargraves track or Ross switches. I also just use .031 diameter 63/37 Rosin Core solder for the job, I don't screw around with extra flux, etc., it's not needed.
