Cleaning- Restoring Supper "O" track

FuzzyDOGR Forum Member

Hi, everyone. I have been gifted 2 large boxes of Post War Lionel Super "O" track. The condition is not the greatest. Some rusted, and dirty. Others not too bad. Has anyone had success cleaning this track and if so how?? The crossovers and switches are dirty but have a few rust spots. The copper center rails of the track are tarnished but not green. I am thinking of trying a Dremel tool with a small wire wheel. I would like to get enough track to make a small 4' x 8' display layout. Any suggestion would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

9/14/2311:53 AM

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galley_proofOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

FuzzyD, I've just completed the first portion of my Super O layout. There is a Yahoo Group that's all about Super O. Some very knowledgeable and helpful members there. You can learn everything there is to know about cleaning, restoring, operating, and more. Check it out:

https://groups.io/g/LionelSuperOTrack

9/14/232:01 PM

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Dennis-LaRockOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Ditto on the Super-O Yahoo Group.

Mine was probably about in the same shape as yours when I got it in the early 80(s). I just used Isopropyl Alcohol and a rag to clean the tops of the rails. The worst ones got the scotch-brite pad treatment. It took a little elbow grease but they came out fine... with the ties and the side of the rails looking 'weathered'. I did around 200 pieces. I'd think thrice about going the aggressive mechanical route.

9/14/232:33 PM

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CSXJOEOGR Forum Member

Restored a friends super o set. Track was nasty so I ran it through the dishwasher with soap. Make sure you turn the drying cycle off. They came out clean. Did need to buff the top of the rails.

9/14/234:08 PM

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NJCJOEOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Could also try Evapo-Rust. I've used for other restorations and was very impressed.

https://www.evapo-rust.com/

9/14/234:54 PM

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FuzzyDOGR Forum Member

Thank-you all for the suggestions. I will give it a go. I think a run through the dish washer is in order first. I have run "G" gauge track through the dish washer. (when the wife is out and about) I was thinking of using a small brass Dremel wire wheel which is not as harsh as the steel ones but probably only use it on the very bad spots. I have some Scotch-Brite pads, (green, and gray) the green seems to be about right, the gray is courser. There are 4, 90 degree crossovers and 2, 45's which should be no problem. There were 4 sets of remote switches and 4 sets of manual switches. These will require more as they can not be run through the dish washer. Looks like I have my winter project all set for those cold days. Thanks again to all!!!

9/15/239:35 AM

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franktrainOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Here's a nice cleaning tool for your dremel instead of the wire wheel. I remove all the track clips and clean each end also the track pins. Also get some crocus cloth and run it thru the copper track clips before assembly.

dremel wheel

9/15/2310:55 AM

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Dennis-LaRockOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Fuzz... you may find this helpful ....Lionel Operating and Instruction Manual 1965.pdf. This manual covers a lot of territory.