No Ox ID Questions

For a temporary layout (Christmas?) I would just clean the track each year.

John

This is primarily for my grandkids.  The whole idea is to avoid annual track cleaning as much as possible to make it a set up and go process without a lot of fuss for them and their parents.  While they all enjoy trains, none of them are model train hobbyists.  Sporadic operation can be a holiday buzz kill.

Scott

I have been using NO-OX ID for several years now with great success.   Personally I did not treat the outside common rails due to the concern about "traction tires".   

Personally I followed the YouTube videos and switched over using Low Odor Mineral spirits to first clean all the rails.  Everything they say about Mineral Spirits stopping the micro arcing and build up of black residue has been true for me.  The video discusses how different solvents, alcohols actually make the micro-arcing worse.   

And yes, if I was putting track together I would absolutely treat my track pins with this stuff prior to assembly.  Unfortunately my trackwork was 95% complete when I found this product 

For a small flat Holiday, or occaissional use layout, you might try treating the outside common rails.  My recommendation would be to rub the outside rails down with a clean dry cotton rag after applying the NO-OX-ID so that you leave the "thinnest" protective film on the rails.   My opinion is that it doesn't take but a microscopic coating on the rails to get the conductivity improvements that reduce/eliminate the "micro-arcing" between the rails and the cast steel wheels. 

My last recommendation is make sure you clean all wheels on the engines and cars with low odor mineral spirits.  If you don't you'll just spread/transfer the dirt/grease etc from the wheels to your clean track.   It's amazing some of the used freight cars I have purchased have an insane build up of "carbon like" crust on the cast wheels.  I end up scraping it off first with a very small flat bladed screwdriver, then clean them with Q-tips and Mineral Spirits.

@Scott R posted:

This is primarily for my grandkids.  The whole idea is to avoid annual track cleaning as much as possible to make it a set up and go process without a lot of fuss for them and their parents.  While they all enjoy trains, none of them are model train hobbyists.  Sporadic operation can be a holiday buzz kill.

Scott

Menards tubular track is pretty robust, track pins are usually tighter than my lionel but worth a check.  My experience with NO OX ID hasn't been that great.  I used it on N Gauge track (seasonal layout),  Still had to clean it.  It's already together.  I just clean it maybe twice while it's up.  Go around the whole layout with a Woodland Scenics cleaning system.  Takes 5 minutes.

John

Why not work a small amount of NO OX into a small lint free cloth. Since only a film is needed this might work better.

Thanks for the replies.  I already started the cleaning process using mineral spirits.  It’s amazing how much blank gunk I removed from the rails on brand new, never been used Menards tubular.  They come delivered with a thin oily layer on the rails, I assume to prevent rust.  I did apply a thin layer no ox after the cleaning and used a clean rag to wipe off excess.   I also applied some no ox to the track pins.  The grease on the track pins acts like a lubricant (no surprise).  While that makes assembly super easy, they also pull apart easy, too easy.  But I use rubber bands around the end ties of adjoining pieces to securely hold them together.  A truck I learned from this forum - works like a champ

@Scott R posted:

But I use rubber bands around the end ties of adjoining pieces to securely hold them together.

Black zip ties work well too.

John

Two years ago half my layout experienced a major rust problem. I disassembled the entire layout slowly and cleaned each track first with industrial strength Scotch-Brite pads (Yes there is such a thing), followed by mineral spirits followed by no ox. That was two years ago. No muss no fuss and mainly no rust. I'm a believer.

Scott

There are several NO OX topics on this forum.   The below link is probably the most complete.  Many of us have not cleaned track for over two years after application.  My track cleaning car is relic now and train operation is better than ever especially at slow speeds.  NO OX is paraffin based grease and wiped off after application.  It should help keep track from rusting too.

https://ogrforum.com/...7#159660139094824137

The link below tells my experience on my layout and many more links to learn from.  It is on page 8, post 79.

https://ogrforum.com/...ra-027-layout?page=8

Charlie

I clean my track when I get it (I'm still building my layout) using pretty much whatever solvent is at hand.

If the track is about to be installed in a high traffic area, I let the rollers/wheels carry some NoOX to the new track. Low traffic areas get a small amount. And I mean small. I have done all three rails running 4-4-2s, 0-6-0s, 2-10-10-2s, etc and haven't had trouble with traction tires so far. I also used a small amount. But that seems to be all it takes. I don't do the outside rails very often.

I just use the pad of my index finger. Basically touch the NoOX, then rub it on the track.

I did a good cleaning then applied NoOxID (a special!) 2.5 years ago and have not cleaned my track since. Applied to all 3 rails minimally with index finger. Had wheel slip which went away after I ran trains for a few hours to let it spread around the layout evenly

I have not used this, but if you have a bottle of it, take your ohm meter and try several ohm ranges to see if you read any conductivity in it.  If you get none, then it will not improve conductivity, but may keep your track from rusting or corroding that will promote better conductivity of the connection, but not help it.  There is a popular and expensive copper colored anti-oxidizing compound used in electrical work giving you the feeling of improving connection quality and lowering resistance, but  it has zero conductivity even at R X 1Meg range,  its only function is corrosion prevention.  If this type of product was actually conductive, especially in electrical work, if heat caused it to run, it could bridge connections causing shorts or a fire.  Other than graphite, have not seen a similar product that is conductive.

NO OX can be used as a model train track treatment to improve model train operation and eliminate track cleaning.  This fact has been examined for over 50 years, starting with HO model trains.  No one or company will do study on NO OX's use for any purpose as there is no money reward for doing so.

There are hundreds of internet topics that will provide information on NO OX and every train operator has to do his own due diligent as to what is fact and what is incorrect.  My post above will get anyone started on the history of its use.  Whether it improves conductance, reduces sparking or prevents corrosion is immaterial to me.   It works for me and hundreds of others.

Charlie