Recommendations wanted for cleaning GarGraves & Ross phantom track / switches

Hi George,

   I only had Gargraves so I can't say anything about Ross track. I used Goo Gone (on a rag) on my layout for maybe 10 years and had no problem. If you have locomotives with rubber traction tires, the Goo Gone may be an issue. I did not, so it wasn't an issue for me. 

Tom 

Gargraves says to just use a soft cloth. I have done this with no solution and can see the dirt come off. If you have residue that won't come off, they recommend a hobby track cleaner. I think these are very similar to CRC electronics cleaner. For heavy oxidation, they recommend a Scotch Brite pad.

George

G3750 posted:

All:

At the moment, my basement is a construction zone.  Lots of dirt, sawdust, and dust have fallen on some track that is laying about for test-fitting purposes.  I am looking for something safe that will clean the track without removing the black coating of the middle rail.

Recommendations?  What do you use?

Thanks,

George

If it is just construction dust, a light vacuum and dusting should do it. Wipe with track cleaner or something if you like as well. This won't be the same as operational gunk deposits.

I like De Natured Alcohol with a soft rag, or a toughie pad of stubborn dirt. Please stay away fro steel wool, it sucks when it gets into your engines. Have Fun! 

I agree with BOBBYD.  If it's just dust, a vacuum and brush should do the trick.  If you need to remove the grime that can accumulate on track, I have used 91% alcohol for years with no I’ll effect on phantom line track.  I read recently that mineral spirits (not paint thinner) is better than alcohol for cleaning track.  Does a better job and the black track grime won’t come back as soon.  I tested mineral spirits on a section of track and it didn’t do any damage to the phantom line track.

I too just wipe it off with a soft cloth, and occasionally a scotchbrite.  I haven't taken off any blackened surface; yet. 

Back in May there was a similar discussion; at that time, Ronsonol lighter fluid was suggested and I tried it (on Gargraves track).

I found it worked better than CRC cleaner, Goo Gone or alcohol...FWIW.

Mark in Oregon

Thanks, gentlemen!

Much appreciated,

George

Strummer posted:

Back in May there was a similar discussion; at that time, Ronsonol lighter fluid was suggested and I tried it (on Gargraves track).

I found it worked better than CRC cleaner, Goo Gone or alcohol...FWIW.

Mark in Oregon

Mark, I do remember that conversation with the lighter fluid suggestion now that you mention it!!

gg1man posted:

I like De Natured Alcohol with a soft rag, or a toughie pad of stubborn dirt. Please stay away fro steel wool, it sucks when it gets into your engines. Have Fun! 

  That's all I ever use with rags cut from old flannel shirts.

The black on the center rail is a black oxidation process and it actually penetrates the metal. Sand paper a file or some other abrasive is what will remove it. Most solvents won’t harm it.

I wondered about that Trains and Cars Guy!  Thank you for the confirmation 

Anodizing is also a penetrating process aluminum is the only metal I know it works on. Where as plating is attached through a electric process.