Let's talk about cleaning the track!

While on the subject of track cleaning, I would like to share one of my ideas to anyone interested.

 

I have taken some windshield cleaning tools as use in gasoline stations and cut them down to 4 inch width in the center, this required having to use two small screws and nuts to fasten the ends. I must say they work great and allow you to put them on a length of pole of your choosing (such as 1 ft to 10 ft or even longer).They also allow you to use THE CLEANER OF YOUR CHOICE applied to the sponge for cleaning purposes. I have left the nylon netting to achieve a scrubbing action, as a bug on a windshield. Just great for hard to reach areas.

 

Here are a couple of photo's. Regards, Casey.

Could not have said it better!

The  problem is with the car. Swapped it out for another coach that does not flicker. When I get the chance I take the car apart, it is a real pain, to see if all the wiring is connected properly. May take the trucks apart and replace the roller pickups at the same time.

That's what I use too! Someday may hang a piece of scuff pad under a car and let it clean away!

Naptha works good too when applied with a rag! Goo Gone..ugh..that stuff makes a mess esp. when used with a CenterLine cleaning car.

Absolutely great thread.  I just wish folks would say what brand/ type of track they are using it on.  

This is the sort of thing that makes it hard to keep new people in the hobby. The first time they have to clean their track --- they're outta here!
I have used every product mentioned in this entire thread and do not have satisfaction with any of them. I routinely use 91% alcohol mostly because I can get it at the super market. It's the only thing I can even ask my wife to pick up for me.
My father brought home a couple of quart cans of trichloroethylene in the early 70's. I used that to clean my Lionel motors - spilling plenty on myself along the way. Ruined a couple of plastic engine cabs with it too. One thing I never tried to use it on back then was track.

Everybody is an expert, but nobody knows everything.

It is OK with me that Mike R. does not know chemistry.  It is not OK that he passed on misinformation as scientific fact.  He lost a lot of credibility with me for that one.

TomB

Good grief, Charlie Brown! 

 

All we need to make this discussion complete is Mel Brooks directing, a campfire, plates of bea..

 

No, wait, that's already been done.

 

I can send you plans and photos of how to make your own track cleaning car to do just that.  My email is in my profile if you want them.

 

Also: Ed Magruder - I use all Gargraves Flex Track and Ross Switches.

.....

Dennis

No, you obviously didn't use every method mentioned here!

IMO some of you are over thinking this.  Having read 30 or 40 posts of this thread it is evident that there are many methods of track cleaning that have worked for their proponents for many years without any damage. 

  Is it possible that more than one method works just fine? (IMO; YES)  Don

Up next......."which smoke fluid works best?".......then, "poor chinese QC"............

Yes, Don, that is not only possible, it is an absolute fact.

 

Some methods are obviously more safe and effective than others, but God gave us a brain capable of evaluating the risks and benefits and then deciding what will work best.  The human brain is a marvelous thing.  Too bad it is so under-used.

Not every method but every product metioned except Freon. To which I will add that I have tried mineral sprits, turpentine, charcoal lighter fluid, cigarette lighter fluid, paint stripper, kerosene, amonia, Hoppes No. 9, 3 in One oil, Wahl Clipper oil,  and oven cleaner to name a few.

 

 

 

The Original Post has to be the classic blunder of all time, and he signs it Lionel so it’s not even his personal opinion anymore, now it’s the company speaking. Talk about quality control; you can’t even make this stuff up.

 

Bob