On my 3 rail loop some of the ctr rail( Atlas) stain is wearing off and i would like to refresh it with...well whatever you guys use. This is a DCS Rev L set up and signal strength has never been an issue. Any suggestions?
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Leave it alone. 99.9% say to remove it from the top of the rail first chance you get.
But, why don't you give it a try and let us know what happened. Worst thing is you'd have to remove it with a scotchbrite or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
Originally Posted by Bob Delbridge:
Leave it alone. 99.9% say to remove it from the top of the rail first chance you get.
But, why don't you give it a try and let us know what happened. Worst thing is you'd have to remove it with a scotchbrite or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
I think it was Barry or somebody that leaves his center rail dark, others remove it. I like the 2 rail look. It would also match my parallel 2 rail loop.
We always buff it off first. There are Scotch Brite pads for Dremel tools that works great.
The issue of putting blackening back on is electrical conductivity. By using a Sharpie, I'd think you'd hurt the conductivity. If you want to do something on the sides of the rail(s) to weather it; no problem.
Gilly
A gun coating solution such as Gun Kote can be used to blacken the rail. I have checked some parts that I have blackened, and it is electrically conductive.
Larry
Use Neolube. Micromark sells it. It's a conductive metal black. Use it on those shiny driver tires. 
I know some have used bluing like for gun barrels to redarken the rail. Do a forum search and you should find the thread. There were a couple of things used, one of which looked like factory, and the guy that used it said it didn't effect his DCS signal. Either way, don't use a sharpie as the ink isn't conductive so it'll block the center roller from getting power.
I have Atlas track with all the blackening still on it. I have had no problems with either DCS or Legacy (DCS for over 3 years and Legacy since last Sept.). I know some here have reported problems with the blackening, but I have had none. Having only modern diesels, all command control and purchased within the last four years may have something to so with it? I have no conventional, no older engines and no steamers. I run MTH with DCS and Legacy with Legacy, I have not tried running anything Lionel with my DCS system.
NeoLube is going to be my next choice to try out. I have used a product called Blacken-It and the results were acceptable, but not exactly like what Atlas had used originally. I had to apply it multiple times as well, wasn't one coat coverage. I have also tried a Sharpie. Neither of those products has had any affect on the DCS or Legacy systems that I could tell, everything still runs quite well and without problems.
If you do try the NeoLube soon, please post your results, I would be interested in hearing them.
Very experienced Atlas O user.
Leave the center rail as clean as possible.
Whatever comes off of the center rail ends up on your rollers.
What ends up on your rollers will, without doubt, interfere with electrical pick up.
Function over form here.
Period
Personal view. From what I see of layouts in photos and in person, painting the sides of the center rails, makes them more noticeable. Especially when the outers are painted. When left bare, I barely see or notice. Seems painting makes them stand out more against the ballast and ties.
Originally Posted by josef:
As RTR stated DCS ,signal and electrical have been a non issue with the black center. As a matter of fact the outside rails contaminate more probably due to traction tires..black spots every where yet trains still run fine.
video-outside loop 3 rail, inside 2 rail scale and several MU's.
"
Very experienced Atlas O user.
Leave the center rail as clean as possible.
Whatever comes off of the center rail ends up on your rollers.
What ends up on your rollers will, without doubt, interfere with electrical pick up.
Function over form here.
Period"
absolutely correct.
the amount of blackening material on the switches was astounding when i got the atlas track in 2001-2002. nothing would run through the switches. rollers getting clogged. yuch. got that stuff off of there!
i did weather the sides of the rails and that worked out really well. much more effective visually than a blackened center rail.
Do not use a sharpie, it insulates
I recomend neo lube, makes the track look like it was when new, I have had no problems with rollers like some claim.
Fred
I understood that the blacked rail hindered good signal reception for DCS signals. Anyway over the years the top of my shadow rail has worn off and not that noticeable so "if it ain't broke....."
cold blue, easy to use, and you can repeat applications with a cotton ball
