cleaning vintage track

[bakerdude]

whats the best to use on vintage ho track? something that will clea it without ruining it.jim

[mandoman]

Depends on what all needs to be cleaned off of the track. If you just mean that you want to keep the track clean for racing, I have used Windex on a clean rag to wipe down the surface. Windex dries very fast due to it's alcohol base, and also wipes up oil streaks, or spills due to the alcohol as well.

If your track needs major cleaning, due to rust, or even mild corosion, use of steel wool will work pretty well on the rust. Then wipe down the track with WD-40, or Tigers Milk, and THEN wipe the track down with Windex. For the mild corosion, either use a track eraser, like the Rail Roaders do on their train tracks, or pull out a strong magnet car and run it around the course two or three laps. Usually does it for me every time.

[RichD]

If the rails have any rust I would just throw it away. Once the rails have started to rust it comes back quickly even in a relatively dry location. With the track assembled you can only clean the tops of the rails, but you can't reach corrosion that is down in the joints. Wiping the track down with WD-40 when you are done for the day is a big help. Spray the WD-40 on a rag and wipe the track down with that.

[Cadmanic]

Heh, before tossing rusty track in the trash, send me a PM, I'd be happy to ''dispose'' of it for you.

I'm no electrical genius, but I'd be willing to bet that unless that rust has penetrated all the way through your rail, surface oxidation on the metal embedded in the track will not hamper your electrical flow noticeably.

I had been away from slots for over 20 years, and had boxes of track in storage all that time. Every piece of track I owned was rusty when I got back into it... Just knock the rust off the top of the rail and clean up the connection points.

[bakerdude]

ill try a simple windex cleaning first and see how that works..thanks guys.jim

[mkgcars]

I've used 600 and or 800 grit sanding blocks to take light rust and oxidation off the rails. If you're careful with the blocks you don't hit the plastic. It's certainly worth a try before tossing it.

[slotking]

I have used a dremel with a wire brush to clean the sides and connectors
have had no issues with after that.

rail zip on the connectors last a long time. I have added rail zip to a rag for the sides as well
tedious

but the wd is best for a older unused track

windex is ok after the track is refreshed with wd -40

[bakerdude]

thanke to all for your help. just got a tip from someone.nev r dull polishing wad it comes in a can..we used it in the army to polish our brass. it cleans the rails and the track real nice. you pull it out in clumps like cotton. may be used elsewhere .who knows.jim

[racer32]

I have been using a whetstone used for sharpening knives. It is 1 1/2w x2 1/2L. It will lay on the rails without scuffing the track surface