Cleaning track rails.

[Woodslot]

I use Scalextric Sport track and have used Classic. The rails dull in colour with black stuff on them. I suspect it's some kind of oxidation and it dramatically alters performance. I usually rub the rails with a tissue soaked in methylated spirits(metho) before I pack it away. However I usually leave the track up for a few days at a time and that is plenty of time for the track to deteriate. Cleaning with metho only part cleans the rails. I live near the beach which probably doesn't help the track. Has anyone any helpful ideas?

Woodslot.

[greenman62]

Has anyone any helpful ideas?

Woodslot.

I use Lifelike Trains Track Cleaner... it does a fairly good job cleaning my Sport Track. I don't live near the beach so I can't help you there. You may want to consider switching over to Carrera track which has stainless steel rails for the long run. Another thing you might want to try is soldering wires under the individual sections in the problem areas. Other than that, you'll just have to keep ahead of the corrosion.

Greenman62

[RichD]

The rail are plated, so resist cleaning them with anything abrasive. I don't know what products are available down there, but "Rail-Zip" that is sold at hobby shops that have model trains works very well. Wiping the rails down with WD-40 should be helpful, but it will also remove any rubber from the track.

[Woodslot]

Thanks Guys,

I once used a model train rail cleaner that was like an eraser for rubbing pen marks off paper. Are yours like that or are they liquid or what? What do other guys in Australia use?

[MG Brown]

I haven't had a need yet to clean the rails of my Sport track but... in the HO track days, I would put some 1/24 braid juice/conditioner on the wipers of a car and run it around a few times. I would think that the same thing would work better on 1/32 cars.

[noddaz]

The rail are plated, so resist cleaning them with anything abrasive.

Ok, what are the rails plated with?
Just curious...
Scott

[reel55]

track

Nickel on scaley i think

Use a rough cloth and one of those white erasers to clean the rails

Verne reel55

[greenman62]

Thanks Guys,

I once used a model train rail cleaner that was like an eraser for rubbing pen marks off paper. Are yours like that or are they liquid or what? What do other guys in Australia use?

Trains Track Cleaner comes in a plastic bottle and is a blue liquid (I think it has a mild alcohol base with possibly detergent and some sort of oil). I use paper towels to apply and wipe it off.

Greenman62

[RichD]

Braid conditioner is actually automatic transmission fluid, it is a good solvent for a lot of things including the tampo printing on your cars.

[Alta_Racer]

Why not run your cars arround the track a bunch. Thats how I clean mine. Works on the plastic part too.

I swifter the dust off once a week and on race days.


Ron

[KiwiPete]

Track Cleaning

Hi
I have 2 scaley sports tracks of 70 and 80ft.
I clean them both with a spray on electrical contact cleaner. Spray it on to a clean cloth an then rub the rails. It only tales about 5 mins to do the whole track.
I have found that the track at our beach house that is only 70m from the sea need cleaning at least once a month, even though I cover it during the week when we are not there. If I don't cover it, its needs cleaning just about every week.
The track at home is ok if I use it every two to three days, If I leave it for 3 or 4 weeks it is slower but quickly comes right with running cars for 10mins. Leave it un used and un covers for over 4 weeks and it needs a full clean.
KiwiPete