rusted Fastrack

If “a Fastrack switch along with several sections of Fastrack” were “drenched” in water for ANY length of time, I wouldn’t mess with cleaning/de-rusting them. I’d just replace the damaged ones with new or used Fastrack, the switch and the sections. You’ll be glad you did. 😉

@DavidR posted:

I had a water pipe break and flood a corner of my layout. The area which was drenched included a Fastrack switch as well as several sections of Fastrack. Now that things are almost dry, I notice a nice coating of rust on the rails. I've never used anything abrasive on the track - only liquid tack cleaner applied with corduroy. Is there a preferred method for removing rust from Fastrack rails? I assume there is some sort of plating which could be removed using sandpaper, but is a brightboy ok if not applied aggressively?  

Would some other procedure work better without producing unwanted results? I'd hate to have to replace all of the affected track.

That really sucks! Sorry to hear that. Hope the damage wasn't too bad.

I restore rusted tubular with metal polish (Brasso et al) on the rail tops and a small rat tail file on the end holes.  (A purchase of Menard's tubular, or good used track at train show,  is a better use of time and effort.)  Fastrack has plenty of points for corrosion to be both hidden and tough to clean.  I would expect electrical issues over time if you try to reuse water soaked pieces.

Long shot, I know...   Any help from homeowners insurance?

In any case, here's another vote for replacement of any/all rusted pieces.  Unfortunately, you can only see/deal with what's on the outside of the track...points of contact with train wheels and center rail collectors.  The rusting will continue on the inside of the hollow rails...which can lead to poor electricals rail-to-rail, etc..

Keep an eye out for opportunities to pick up pieces in A-OK shape at train shows, dealer sales, et al..  In fact, if you have a LHS of the helpful type, take some pictures of the damaged area, number of pieces of FT, etc., show them to the friendly guy behind the counter, ask if he can cut you a deal for replacements.

Of, contact your state and/or federal representative and see if you wrangle some funding for track replacement on your Class(y) O railroad.    (Hey, if they can spend Covid-relief funds on planting trees!)

I know, I know...  Probably not what you wanted to hear.

Thank you all for the advice/recommendations. As I consider all of responses, I have to conclude that the rusted area has to be replaced - anything I miss could come back to haunt me.

If there is a pony in here, it's that I will be much more careful moving forward when scenicing any area near Fastrack. My previous HO layout used nickle silver rails, so the idea of rusted rails wasn't really an issue.

Here's a vote not to replace the FT right now.

The rust is probably just surface rust and should clean up with a minimum of work. Coat the rails with generous application of Evaporust and let set overnight. Use some #0000 steel wool to remove as much of the rust as you can. Then clean with 91% isopropyl alcohol and use a mushroom brush attachment (below and available on the big A) to your Dremel to clean any remaining rust away.

Not too much work and you can always replace the FT later on if this doesn't work, but I think it's worth a shot.