There is no universal agreement in the O, HO or N-Gauge world on the best track cleaning methods. After 100+ years of operating model trains, there is still is no consensus.
Track cleaning falls into two broad categories: 1) abrasive and 2) chemical solvents. Within each group, cleaning can be accomplished manually or with a track cleaning car.
All the methods listed below are proven to work with normally dirty track.
Abrasive Track Cleaners:
- Lionel eraser: http://www.lionel.com/products...tenance-set-6-62927/
- Walthers Brite Boy eraser: https://www.walthers.com/brigh...leaner-standard-grit
- Klingspor Sandflex 240 Grit Block or fine-grit sanding products: https://www.klingspor.com/Sand...-4-with-Sleeve-53618
- 3M Scotchbrite pads (various degrees of abrasiveness): https://www.scotch-brite.com/3M/en_US/scotch-brite/
- Dremel tool (or equal) with fine cleaning wheel: https://us.dremel.com/en_US/ac...y-tool/905/all/27386
Chemicals & Solvents. There are plenty of argumentative tradeoffs to be made with cleaning effectiveness, odor & noxious gases, evaporation time; flammability, residue, effect on rubber tires & plastics, tendency to attract dirt, cancer and reproductive warnings, degreasing ability, conductivity, and ventilation ability in train room. Some cleaning methods may require two steps—one solvent initially cleans the track and a different solvent removes any of the initial cleaner residue. Here the more popular ones. Each one has its proponents and detractors. Some may be banned in California. The spray solvents should be first sprayed on a cloth or pad to prevent accidental contact with non-metal surfaces.
- Lionel Track Cleaner: http://www.lionel.com/products...tenance-set-6-62927/
- Bachmann E-Z LUBE® Rail & Road Track Cleaner: https://shop.bachmanntrains.co...amp;products_id=6488
- Life-Like 1415 Track Cleaner; DISCONTINUED production.
- Goo-Gone (and other citric-based cleaners): https://googone.com/
- Zap Rail Zip Cleaner: https://www.zapglue.com/corrosion-inhibitors
- Isopropyl Alcohol 91%
- Denatured Alcohol
- CRC Lectra-Motive Cleaner; non-flammable: https://www.crcindustries.com/...leaner-19-wt-oz.html
- CRC QD Electronic Cleaner; EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE; Cancer & Reproductive Harm Warnings: https://www.crcindustries.com/...leaner-11-wt-oz.html
- CRC Contact Cleaner & Protectant; EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE; Reproductive Harm Warning: https://www.crcindustries.com/...ectant-10-wt-oz.html
- Deoxit-D5; EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE: https://caig.com/deoxit-d-series/
- Mineral Spirits; FLAMMABLE
- Acetone/Nail Polish remover; VERY FLAMMABLE
- WD-40
Track Cleaning Cars:
- Lionel Track Cleaning Car (6-26835); uses chemical and rotating sponge: http://www.lionel.com/products...leaning-car-6-26835/
- Northeast Trains; uses two skid pads; different solvents can be added to each: http://netrains.com/northeastt...gcarandsupplies.aspx
- CMX-O-HR Clean Machine; uses two skid pads and solvent: https://tonystrains.com/produc...ale-3-rail-high-rail
- Trackman; out of production; used one weighted abrasive skid pad like Scotchbrite
- Centerline Kit; uses one large roller requiring solvent; https://www.centerline-product...product-page/o-gauge
