Thanks for all of this good information. I have a bunch of O27 track from the 50s. After trying many things listed here I've settled on goo-gone, though 30 minutes in Evapo-rust first may help a bit.
A long time in Evapo-rust didn't remove anything Goo-Gone didn't remove except some paint. The dishwasher didn't see to do anything.
I'm just making a small oval to see if the rest of what I have works. If I get hooked into a bigger or more permanent setup I'll do the denatured alcohol afterwards and possibly the DeoxIT.
Next is the wheels of the engine and then a test trip.... Thanks!