I recently purchased a box of Gargraves Stainless track with wood ties. Wood has a strong odor that is a little reminiscent of mildew. Track looks new and not stained. Is the odor normal ?
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Probably the stained ties being cooped up in a box for however long. If there is no white looking substance on the ties or inside the box i wouldnt worry about it.
Gargraves track should not have an odor. To get rid of it, spray the ties and track (top and bottom) with the stuff in the link below. Let it air-dry and the odor will be gone. I've used this product on lots of smelly things around the layout, including a locomotive that blew a circuit board and had a strong burnt electronics odor, and it has always worked for me.
https://www.amazon.com/Febreze...3AFebreze&sr=8-6
It's available from lots of sources, I just included a convenient Amazon link.
It is not mildew, if it is the same odor mine had. It's the dried out wood used for the ties. I don't remember the species, but, as it dries out, it exudes a musty kind of smell.
Great Question, it’s been years since I’ve opened a new box of Gargraves track but my thoughts are, the stain they use and the oil used to make it easier to bend for curves. New Gargraves track is fairly easy to bend in order to make your desired curves. The good news, the odor will dissipate over the years. (Months).
Did you call Gargraves to get their answer?
They've been making this track for about 75 years. I'd imagine they have definitive answers to all sorts of questions like this by now.
Very helpful folks. Always answered the phone when I've called.
No language barrier, either!
I wouldn't worry about it. I would not spray anything on it either especially if it's a water based product.
