What is The Best Way to Clean Lionel Fastrack

I use FT for my Christmas tree loop. I clean it each year before setting it under the tree with Goo-gone on a scotchbrite pad. Comes out shiny clean.

Bob

I use 91% isopropyl alcohol on a paper towel which works well. I wrap the paper towel around a block of wood to make it easier to manage.

Stubborn buildup can be removed with the abrasive eraser in Lionels track cleaning kit, or a Brite boy track cleaning block.

I'll use the abrasive eraser/block first. Then wipe with the alcohol.

There are many different methods that work well enough. That's why Google brings up many.

Don't use Goo-Gone, or any citrus based cleaner. Years ago forum member Lee Willis used that. It seeped into the joints and corroded everything. Ultimately, he had to put new track on top of the old track and modify all of his tunnels.

Thanks Bob and RickO, I will try those methods.  Have you used the Walther's Brightboy pad?

Yea RoyBoy, I read on Google that Goo Gone (citric acid) is not a good idea.  I guess RSJB18 avoids the issue since his layout is seasonal?

Dan

Many model railroaders have found that odor free Mineral Spirits work best for track cleaning.

If you want to eliminate track cleaning forever and improve the electrical conduction and thus operation of your trains check out the use of NO OX model railroad track treatment at the below OGR link

https://ogrforum.com/...7#159660139173887507

NO OX, which reduces sparking, a major cause of dirty track, has improved the operation of my 40 year old 027, conventional operation layout, greatly with greater slow train operation.

Charlie

I use denatured alcohol and and old sock or teeshirt. Works great!

Since the rails on Fastrack are stainless steel, I use Clorox wet wipes to clean the grime off the rails and then make sure to get the dust and wipe residue off with a dry cloth. My method works well, and only takes a few minutes to clean every inch of my 10X14 foot layout. The other advantages to the wet wipes are that they don't damage the track (they can be used to clean stainless steel), and they don't have much of a bad smell like alcohol or mineral spirits.

@RoyBoy posted:

Don't use Goo-Gone, or any citrus based cleaner. Years ago forum member Lee Willis used that. It seeped into the joints and corroded everything. Ultimately, he had to put new track on top of the old track and modify all of his tunnels.

That was not Goo-Gone. It was Simple Green.

@Dylan the Train Man posted:

Since the rails on Fastrack are stainless steel, I use Clorox wet wipes

They are??? No wonder it's so expensive.

Must be a lower grade that rusts really easily though.😉

There is stainless that will adhere to a magnet. (as in refrigerators)

I think that they might be stainless in appearance only.

Brendan

I use electrical contact cleaner

I only use green scotchbrite pads

Hey guys,  thanks for all the suggestions.  I do not think Fastrack is stainless steel either, but I could be wrong.  I will be trying several of these ideas and using a combination of them.   Thanks for all of the help, greatly appreciated. 

I use a rubber-coated magnet to hold cars the want to roll away. Although some stainless has magnetic properties, the way this magnet grips the rails tells me they are steel. Also, the tabs on the underside are easily soldered to with just rosin core solder. I believe stainless would be resistant to that.