Cleaning model rail track

Started by oliveriddle, June 18, 2012, 02:48:09 PM

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oliveriddle


How to take off the sticky dust which gets attached to the model railway tracks, when they are not in use ?

[Admin Note] Changed to lowercase... please do not post in all capital letters.

VC

Firstly, why are you getting 'sticky dust'? Are you oiling the tracks?

The railway tracks can be cleaned using fine emery paper 400 or 600 grade and rubbing it gently over the track length. This is primarily for removing rust. If there is any sticky residue, it can be removed using a cotton wool soaked in alcohol. Ensure that you squeeze out most of the alcohol, or else it may destroy your plastic sleepers.
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oliveriddle

Ya, OK thanks VC. There is one more problem. Actually i used 3 trains set in my layout and without using a DCC. i use all the train in different layers..It is quite impossible for me to clean the track in certain position of the layout.. i even cant use a rod or a long wire connect with cotton to that positions. what options i have now to clean that sections of tracks, which are beyond my reach?

VC

Hornby had a track cleaning stone that you could attach to the fender of the lead loco and it scraped the track clean as it went along! You could try attaching a strip of sandpaper similarly. It should work.
Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional!

sushil_anand

Believe it or don't! (Ripley, turn in your grave). A very effective cleaner for contacts -(and the rails are the contact areas for electricity transfer) - is an eraser. Almost any kind will do. It has a very mild abrasive action - that's how it normally works  on paper - and will remove all surface oxide. For short/medium term protection, spray a little WD 40 and spread it over the tracks.  
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