Best technique for cleaning Fastrak

Griff MurpheyOGR Forum Member

I am a “scale” high railer but at present an intermittent shoe level carpet operator. I have used the old “bright boy” pads, the green abrasive non detergent scrubbers, and plain isopropyl alcohol. Fixing to re-lay a carpet “layout” and I’d like your input.

I used the LGB dielectric grease on rail joints Many years ago when I did G gauge outside, which helped a lot. I’ve had problems with voltage drop in random sections. If you use dielectric grease, what brand? I’ve been told Wahl clipper oil is good and has dielectric properties.

Should I clean inside the female receptacle with a pipe cleaner and some kind of fluid?

4/10/232:01 PM

❤️ 1

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Ted SOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Hi Griff! I used to use isopropyl alcohol, but from what I've read recently, I think Wahl clipper oil on a rag is a better choice to remove grease, smoke fluid, traction tire residue, etc.

For whatever reason, I've seen with my own eyes that some sections of Fastrack can become rusty or oxidized, and then won't reliably carry current. If you have any sections like this, it'll be visually obvious. The easiest way to avoid headaches is to simply replace these sections.

For years folks have warned that if you use an abrasive cleaner like a Bright Boy on tinplated rail, you're only creating more scratches for the dirt to adhere to, so I don't recommend that approach. Good luck, whatever you decide!

4/10/233:29 PM

❤️ 1

POTRZBEOGR Forum Member

Half of my layout suffered from rust after 15 years of no problems. Over 3 months I got rid of the rust with the industrial strength Scotch Brite pads, mineral spirits, followed by no ox. The trains are running smoothly again with no problems. I also did my Christmas layout this way before I put it away.

4/10/234:28 PM

❤️ 1