track cleaning

There are a dozen different methods that all work well. I use 91% isopropyl alchohol on a paper towel wrapped around a wood block.

For stubborn buildup I use the abrasive eraser in Lionels track cleaning kit, or a "bright boy" abrasive block. then I go back over with the alchohol.

I only clean my track a couple of times a year, or when trains start acting up. Just beacuse the track doesn't look dirty, doesn't mean it isn't. There can still be a layer of dust/grime that accumulates over time. When this happens. The top of the rails are dull with a haze, as opposed to shiny.

Mutz,

CRC  C-26  is the only cleaner I use. Safe on plastics, etc., and does excellent job.

I clean tracks occasionally but not (AR) about doing that. And...l reside in a humid climate.

thank you guys

For my Fastrack layout, I just use the original Lionel Track Cleaning Car and apply a few drops of Lionel Track Clean to the rotating circular sponge pad. I usually make 2 passes, changing out the circular sponge after the first pass. Fastrack is fairly easy to keep clean and my layout requires cleaning only twice a year, about every 6 months.

You first have to understand the difference between polar and non-polar solvents.

You want a solvent with a low dielectric constant, such as those in the light green section in the chart above. Solvents in the other sections will clean track, however your track will stay cleaner longer if you use a non-polar solvent. In the past I always used isopropyl alcohol. I have since switched to mineral spirits.

just get a big rubber eraser

I use alcohol and do it by hand and let it dry a while. But I do have a vintage Lionel Track Cleaner that I use more often than I care to admit. It really doesn't do the worst. Plus you are still running trains! With it I use bulk generic window cleaner, the blue stuff. Soak the sponge a bit and let it go a few passes.

Mineral spirits work pretty good. I only have to clean track every 6 months or so using it. The rails stay much cleaner than when using alcohol as a cleaning solution.

For me it is CRC, excellent cleaner and easy to use. Be sure you purchase the "safe for plastics"

I use the Centerline Products car with the weighted roller.  Soak the roller and let her rip. Walk ahead and keep the roller soaked.  CDC evaporates quickly. I clean the track twice per year and I pull my rolling stock behind the engine. Lots of gop gets attached to your trucks and this cleans them sparkling clean.  In addition I fold a paper towel and spray with CRC then wipe the tracks off.

https://www.centerline-products.com/

@NJCJOE

Joe thanks for the chart. I never knew there was a varient in solvents. Glad to see CRC has a low number.

@NJCJOE posted:

You first have to understand the difference between polar and non-polar solvents.

You want a solvent with a low dielectric constant, such as those in the light green section in the chart above. Solvents in the other sections will clean track, however your track will stay cleaner longer if you use a non-polar solvent. In the past I always used isopropyl alcohol. I have since switched to mineral spirits.

Hey Joe,

When you use Ethyl Alcohol, do you drink it or clean your track with it?  OR BOTH ???

@Fredstrains posted:

Hey Joe,

When you use Ethyl Alcohol, do you drink it or clean your track with it?  OR BOTH ???

I don't waste that on the track......

Track cleaning has been gone over so many times, it is hard to believe there is yet another thread.  But anyway, the whole article on non-polar cleaning (plus graphite) is well worth reading:

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws...ne/index.html?page=9

For a good discussion that's on OGF, try this one.  You will find links to a lot of interesting reading on the 2nd page:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...eaning-wheels?page=1

Seems like most of the common cleaning methods are not that good.  Not to say they don't sort of work, but you can do a lot better.  No matter what you use, always finish with mineral spirits and a little graphite on the rails.  You won't be sorry.

Tom Stoltz

in Maine

@Tom Stoltz posted:

Track cleaning has been gone over so many times, it is hard to believe there is yet another thread.  But anyway, the whole article on non-polar cleaning (plus graphite) is well worth reading:

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws...ne/index.html?page=9

For a good discussion that's on OGF, try this one.  You will find links to a lot of interesting reading on the 2nd page:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...eaning-wheels?page=1

Seems like most of the common cleaning methods are not that good.  Not to say they don't sort of work, but you can do a lot better.  No matter what you use, always finish with mineral spirits and a little graphite on the rails.  You won't be sorry.

Tom Stoltz

in Maine

This subject is so pervasive and important it really should be a sticky.   

John

@Tom Stoltz

Tom how do you apply the graphite to the track?

The article from Tom is a classic and very convincing. 

@Tom Stoltz posted:

Track cleaning has been gone over so many times, it is hard to believe there is yet another thread.  But anyway, the whole article on non-polar cleaning (plus graphite) is well worth reading:

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws...ne/index.html?page=9

Tom Stoltz

in Maine

@Wood posted:

@Tom Stoltz

Tom how do you apply the graphite to the track?

It's best described in the article I have the link to above.  But basically at a 45° angle on the inside of the rail.  One quick swipe, if you see graphite, you've applied too much.  I use a 4B graphite stick from an art store or Amazon.

Tom Stoltz

in Maine

Mr. Clean pad.  Sometimes I use just water other times I spray some Windex on it.

@Tom Stoltz

Thank you, Tom. I tried to read the article the first time but forgot to click the arrow to see the complete article.

I like the CRC, however I will try Mineral spirits and or DW-40.  I will also buy some graphite sticks.  The science makes sense and is written by a long time Model railroad specialist.

Next time this comes I will also post the article.

Wood