best-way ever to clean track??

[JoeW]

I recently saw a post on Facebook about using atf (automatic transmission fluid) titled "the best-way ever to clean track" Here is the youtube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmOPOcxXPjE&feature=youtu.be  Of coarse this method is one that distributes the atf with the wheels of the trains as they roll over the atf and thus leaving a residual.

I became skeptical of leaving a residual product on the rail because of a bad experience using a product called Rail Zip some years back.  The Rail Zip seemed good at first but became problematic over time. (Serious wheel gum up amongst other conductivity issues.) Since over coming that bad experience I have maintained (a dry method) the rails by burnishing them with extra fine abrasive paper.
Now wanting badly to find a simpler way I thought it would be worth bringing it up here on Railwire.  After all you guys are the"most persnickety group of individuals" in the whole model railroad community right?   All joking aside though I know you won't pull any punches just tell it like it is in your own special way.  Thanks for hearing me out I look forward to reading your comments.     

[mplsjct]

If I recall correctly, Railzip was automatic transmission fluid, so you pretty much answered your own question.

I'm with you, keep the rails dry. The most effective way 'I've found to keep rails clean is frequent running of trains.

[peteski]

This is old news (I think even Model Railroader Magazine had an article about it).  Not recommended (by me).

[peteski]

Here is a thread I started on this back in 2011.   Enjoy the read (all 5 pages of it)!!! 

http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=65494

[Santa Fe Guy]

Joe.
I have been using Zippo Lighter fluid for many years probably about 20 with great success. I only have to do it occasionally maybe three times a year. Most of the time I use a small piece of 2 x1 pine about 2 inches long. I then wrap a small swatch of light weight lint free cloth around the pine and wipe this along the track with just a small amount of lighter fluid on the cloth. I do not use any abrasive on it at all except maybe just on the frog of my M/E turnouts once every year.
I have an operating session every month and this can last for at least three to four months.
I must say that my shed is fully lined and has carpet tiles on the cement floor this all aids in keeping dust to a minimum.
I only clean my loco wheels about twice a year again with a small piece of light weight lint free cloth socked in lighter fluid laid across the rails and run the locos at full speed doing one end at a time. The thinner the cloth the better so it gets right into the corner of the flange on the wheels.
All my friends use this method and it has proven to be the best for us.
Rod.

[peteski]

Lighter fluid is Naphtha and it is a good solvent which doesn't leave oily residue (or any type of residue). To me that makes perfect sense.  Reading the 5-page thread I linked to earlier is quite enlighting.

Track cleaning methods are a topic as contentious as politics or religion. 

[Chris333]

FWIW after cleaning track I like to rub it with a soft graphite stick.

[Denver Road Doug]

Reading the 5-page thread I linked to earlier is quite enlighting.

Denture fixative is the ANSWER!   

And, thanks...now I'm hungry for biscuits and gravy. 

[peteski]

Denture fixative is the ANSWER!   

LOL, yes, the modeler-tested and fully verified to be the ultimate track cleaner!

I find it amusing that many of the people who participated in that A-board thread are now members here.

[chuck geiger]

Wahl Clipper Oil after using the Bright Boy is the sure cure. http://home.wahl.com/Products/HairClippers/ClipperAccessories/3310-517
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/27013.aspx

[mmagliaro]

One word for me on transmission oil:  NO.
It just makes oily, smelly residue and attracts more dirt.  No oil. 

I have tried it, and that NO-OX-ID stuff, and probably a dozen other snake oil type products that
promise me they will clean my track and keep it cleaner.

Not one has ever made any difference.  If I leave the layout sit for a few weeks, nothing
runs unless I hand-clean the rails with paper towels and a little alcohol or mineral spirits.

The only thing that helps is regularly running it.

[MVW]

Track cleaning methods are a topic as contentious as politics or religion. 

Except track cleaning really matters. 

Jim

[Lemosteam]

I have been really impressed with the WS kit. When the Lavis Junction was given to me it was really filthy.  So I went out and purchased that kit with the wand.  The wand was nice for me because I'm the proverbial bull in a china shop. Now way on God's green earth could I even think about paper towels and anything! Regardless the railhed was like brand new when complete.

Every loco style I had runs on it perfectly, even some of my kitbashes which are sometimes very finicky on my test track.

I am not sure what the fluid they have is, but it seems to work well and evap without residue.

[peteski]

Except track cleaning really matters. 

Jim

Touche!

[Freight Train]

I concur......If you take a look at real railroad track the rail heads stay nice and shiny with frequent use. When not used frequently the rail heads corrode over. So in a sense running your trains often helps keep your track clean. And running everything with metal wheels is even better. Plastic ones seem to like to pick up the crude more.