What's the best product to use to clean lionel fastrack?
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91% or greater isopropyl alchohol found at the local drug or department store, on a paper towel.
For stubborn stuff, a mildly abrasive eraser like the one in Lionels maintenance kit works well, however, the alcohol usually removes 99% of the grime.
I regularly use a dry track cleaning car with a Scotch-Brite attached. Once in a while I do a full cleaning with 91% Iso. Alcohol on an old sock or paper towels.
Thank you so much this really helps! Much cheaper than lionel product!
DO NOT USE SIMPLE GREEN
Mort
Originally Posted by RickO:
91% or greater isopropyl alchohol found at the local drug or department store, on a paper towel.
I would avoid using any kind of abrasive pad. An old t shirt or rag works best.
I also use PB Blaster to clean up any rusty spots.
Clean the track dry because fluid cleaners will deteriorate the performance of traction tires.
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I have been using WD-40 for a number of years. It breaks up the gunk so that I can wipe it up. Any residual protects the track a little bit. My process is to spray the WD-40 on a paper towel, then use it to wipe the rails. No issues with reduced traction, not enough of this very light lubricant remains on the rails to affect traction.
Anyone else using this idea/technique?
I have never had to use abrasives or even rubber erasers.
denatured alcohol then hair clipper oil
Originally Posted by Ken-Oscale:
I have been using WD-40 for a number of years. It breaks up the gunk so that I can wipe it up. Any residual protects the track a little bit. My process is to spray the WD-40 on a paper towel, then use it to wipe the rails. No issues with reduced traction, not enough of this very light lubricant remains on the rails to affect traction.
Anyone else using this idea/technique?
I have never had to use abrasives or even rubber erasers.
,
I use WD 40. Works GREAT
I use Bestine or 91% Iso alcohol on a paper towel or rag, and for stubborn stuff, a scotch brite followed by the solvents mentioned earlier.
I'm going to also get a CMX Cleaning as well for tunnels and general up keep one of these days. Many of our club members use and recommend this car and I know first hand that it works well although expensive.
DO NOT USE THESE PRODUCTS:
Amonia
Windex
SIMPLY GREEN
Originally Posted by BReece:
Originally Posted by Ken-Oscale:
I have been using WD-40 for a number of years. It breaks up the gunk so that I can wipe it up. Any residual protects the track a little bit. My process is to spray the WD-40 on a paper towel, then use it to wipe the rails. No issues with reduced traction, not enough of this very light lubricant remains on the rails to affect traction.
Anyone else using this idea/technique?
I have never had to use abrasives or even rubber erasers.
,
I use WD 40. Works GREAT
While wd40 can be a good cleaner for postwar stuff, I'm guessing it will eat traction tires on newer locomotives leading to a layer of goo around the entire track.
I used to use alcohol. Then tried Simple Green until I read the horror stories. Now, I actually bought stuff called track cleaner from my LHS.
I been using goo gone with good results
