Converting from Fastrack to Atlas

Here is my question:  How do I clean the Atlas track?  I saw no cleaning instructions on the Atlas packaging.  Searching the internet and this forum I saw advice to rub the track with a scotch bright pad then wipe with isopropyl.  Is that the best way to clean Atlas track? 

Pretty much, yes. I generally use a soft cotton rag wrapped around a piece of 1"X2" wood, long enough to cover all three rails, and moisten the rag with alcohol. I use Denatured alcohol, but then our permeant layout is NOT in the living room and is well ventilated. Just my opinion,,,,,, but I would NEVER use GooGone, as it leaves a film on the rails and will also negatively affect traction tires.

I used Goo Gone and CRC 2-26 contact cleaner to clean the Fastrack.

Now I am thinking about selling the Fastrack.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

For the past several years I have run my trains on Lionel Fastrack directly on carpet.  I have put the track on the carpet on the floor, on folding tables with green carpet, and under the Christmas tree, using a wooden platform with a thin layer of foam and white felt. 

Everywhere I used the Fastrack I was disappointed with the loud noise.

A few weeks ago I visited the Old Town Model Railroad Depot here in San Diego.  I remarked to Gary about how quiet his trains were compared to my experience with Fastrack.  He explained that he used Atlas, which is quieter due to the solid rails.

I shopped around online and bought enough Atlas track to run two simple loops around the Christmas tree.  I also ordered a box of Vinylbed to put between the track and the white felt.

The track arrived last Friday and on Saturday I set it up on the living room carpet with two trains.  I was truly astonished at how quiet the trains (Lionel Baby Mikado with six Baby Madisons on one loop and the Lionel CC Berkshire Freight set on the other) ran on the Atlas track. 

Here is my question:  How do I clean the Atlas track?  I saw no cleaning instructions on the Atlas packaging.  Searching the internet and this forum I saw advice to rub the track with a scotch bright pad then wipe with isopropyl.  Is that the best way to clean Atlas track?  I used Goo Gone and CRC 2-26 contact cleaner to clean the Fastrack.

Now I am thinking about selling the Fastrack.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Scotch Brite pads are best for Atlas nickel silver track. You would have to apply an incredible amount of force to scratch the rails. I used it to remove the paint from the center rail as nothing else came close to being as effective.

What I like to clean the track with is the "Bright Boy" eraser/grit sold at most hobby shops. I use it on the outside rails not the blackened center rail. The center rail I prefer to use a cloth with good old alcohol . I think the San Diego 3 Railers have more experience in the track maintenance department seeing their layout runs everyday, rain , shine, dust, dirt or grime.

The blackening may no longer be a problem? At least it has not been for me. I have had DCS and Atlas track with Atlas switches for about 3-4 years now and have had no problems at all with the blackening (or the DCS system). I have never removed any blackening, but I did add some back on to some well used switches I purchased. Used Blacken-It to put it back on. I don't have a huge layout, only 6'x16' and I have a rev L TIU. Maybe the Rev L TIU has something to do with it?

For the past several years I have run my trains on Lionel Fastrack directly on carpet.  I have put the track on the carpet on the floor, on folding tables with green carpet, and under the Christmas tree, using a wooden platform with a thin layer of foam and white felt. 

Everywhere I used the Fastrack I was disappointed with the loud noise.

I shopped around online and bought enough Atlas track to run two simple loops around the Christmas tree.  I also ordered a box of Vinylbed to put between the track and the white felt.

The track arrived last Friday and on Saturday I set it up on the living room carpet with two trains.  I was truly astonished at how quiet the trains (Lionel Baby Mikado with six Baby Madisons on one loop and the Lionel CC Berkshire Freight set on the other) ran on the Atlas track.