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9 replies

"Rail Zip - 2" and worn tinplating

Joe RampollaJoe RampollaOGR Forum Member

Hi Folks,

 

    I'd figured I share this because it has been very helpful for me.  I bought 4 secondhand O27 switches where the tinplating was completely worn off of the rails.  From the way the plating is absent, it appears it wasn't from normal wear but rather a deliberate, repeated polishing with an abrasive pad or Dremel-type disk.  The sparks on the control rails when any wheelset made the electrical connection for the non-derailing feature were quite bright, and even WD-40 did little to reduce the sparking.  But the Rail Zip is like magic!

 

 

 

 

    Not only are the sparks almost completely gone, the surface is very smooth now.  I would say the best technique is to apply it with a Q-tip very sparingly, let it sit overnight, then wipe it off completely, followed by another wipe with something like Windex.  What a difference!

 

Hope this helps!   Joe.

Last edited by Joe Rampolla
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DMASSODMASSOOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Did not know what you were talking about so I looked it up. It is always helpful to give more information on what you are talking about.

 

Pacer Products.:

Pacer Technology's Rail-Zip is a track and wheel cleaner that is designed for improving electrical
contact. It is used for slot car racing and model railroads to eliminate accumulations of oxide, which
insulate and interfere with smooth electrical conductivity. Without being corrosive, Rail-Zip removes oxide and prevents oxide formation. If your wheels are clean (free of gum) but corroded (oxidized, rusted) your locomotives will still not run smoothly. With Rail-Zip on a Gumbuster, problem engines can be restored to like-new performance. Rail-Zip does not cause any residual electrical problems but does lubricate metal. In other words, you want only a thin film of it on the wheels or track
Joe RampollaJoe RampollaOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Prewar Pappy:

Joe,

I've been using it for years because it works. With the amount of current required to operate vintage prewar Std Gauge. Anything to improve performance is appreciated.

Hi Pappy,

 

    Seems like the best kept secret in the hobby!  I can't wait to treat some temperamental HO rails with it!   I bought it for the Flyer S gauge track after someone recommended it for Flyer issues (still haven't done the Flyer track yet).  They ought to call it "liquid gold."

 

Take care, Joe.

gunrunnerjohngunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Originally Posted by Joe Rampolla:
Seems like the best kept secret in the hobby!  I can't wait to treat some temperamental HO rails with it!   I bought it for the Flyer S gauge track after someone recommended it for Flyer issues (still haven't done the Flyer track yet).  They ought to call it "liquid gold."

 

FWIW, it's very similar to a product that I've been using for some time, Craig Labs DeoxIt D5.  Great stuff.

 

Joe RampollaJoe RampollaOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by lionelbob:

MSDS and label states health warning for Rail zip. 

 

http://supergluemsds.com/Docs/...20SDS%20-%202015.pdf

 

 

I think the naphtha is the issue (animal studies).  Provided you don't get it on your skin, I think you are safe, in my humble opinion.  Such a small amount is used and the excess is wiped off the next day with a rag you would dispose of.  We used naphtha in soap all the time as kids to scrub things.  So many petroleum distillates have safety warnings, we wouldn't have I hobby if we stopped using them.

 

Take care, Joe.

Last edited by Joe Rampolla
F feetOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Originally Posted by Joe Rampolla:
Seems like the best kept secret in the hobby!  I can't wait to treat some temperamental HO rails with it!   I bought it for the Flyer S gauge track after someone recommended it for Flyer issues (still haven't done the Flyer track yet).  They ought to call it "liquid gold."

 

FWIW, it's very similar to a product that I've been using for some time, Craig Labs DeoxIt D5.  Great stuff.

 

Is this stuff safe on traction tires?

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