How To Clean Your Model Train Track - Several Methods, Tools & Tips Explained

/ trainwild1
In this Video I explain several ways to clean your model train track including the use of a clean machine.
About this Channel - My name is George, and I would like to welcome you to my O Scale Layout! I am a Model Train Enthusiast, Scale Modeler, Builder.
This channel is dedicated to sharing my fine scale layout, and Lionel O Gauge Trains with you. I designed & built this complex layout with the purpose of simultaneously running as many trains as possible as well as realistic train operations.
Fun Fact: I was part of the construction management team during the construction of a train platform, adjoining train tracks and switches in real life. I share this experience in one of my videos!
I enjoy operating the layout and making really cool train videos to share with you.
Please Subscribe to my channel to view all of the upcoming videos!

[@albertoortiz3574]

Thanks I shall test it for sure Again thanks Nice smooth sounds!

[@craignoll3088]

Great Video, I never thought to use a magic eraser! I'm going to try it out tonight!

[@trainwild]

Magic eraser works excellent. Try it out dry first, then put a little solution (of whatever you use to clean your track) on the magic eraser. Everything will come right off right away.

[@vitale6633]

Great Layout. The moving video is a nice touch !!

[@trainwild]

Thank you!

[@jimmelchin1531]

Hi George.....I use denatured alcohol for track cleaning. It is flammable but not as abrasive as the others. Due to the size of my layout (16x8), I usually clean it by hand. And the more you keep up with it, the easier it is to do. Thanks for the tips and another great film. 👍

[@trainwild]

Hi Jim, I am glad to hear that you are using denatured alcohol as a solvent that works best for your cleaning needs. There are many ways to clean train tracks, and ultimately it comes down to what works best for each individual application. I definitely agree that track cleaning should be kept up with, which makes it easier to clean when the time comes. You're welcome my friend, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I sincerely appreciate it. Thank you for watching.

[@traderalex1]

i find the alcohol also works very well, and it dries, rapidly.

[@peterg321]

Hi George, great video as usual. Just a side note - a mate of mine is a chemist and he analysed the grime on my tracks and the tracks at our Club Layout. He found dust of course, but the black grime turned out to be the smoke oil from the steam locos!!! I don't care because I love the smoke but... I'll have to keep cleaning.

[@trainwild]

Hi Peter, thank you very much. That's interesting, I guess no matter how careful we are, smoke fluid manages to make its way on to the tracks as well as other fluids. The fun never ends my friend, and it seems that as long as we enjoy running trains, we are bound to keep cleaning! Thanks for your comment, stay well 👍

[@keithwood638]

nice info on cleaning track. Thank you!

[@trainwild]

I'm glad you liked the video, you're welcome!

[@mysticrailroad]

Sweet layout! :) I'll have to give lacquer thinner a try

[@trainwild]

Thank you very much!

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

I use Goo gone , it's pretty good never thought of lacquer thinner.

[@robertsouthrey3480]

George wonderful layout well done. how often do you clean and do you clean the engines as well .

[@trainwild]

Thank you very much Robert! I clean my track every other week on average depending on usage. I also run the cleaning cars along with the trains during run sessions sometimes to really keep the track clean and prevent buildup. Yes, I clean the engines approximately twice a month as well, especially the pickup rollers. I will soon be working on a train cleaning video and will post it very soon. Thank you for subscribing and watching my videos, I really appreciate it!

[@nickltrains6952]

Hi George, I like the CMX Track Cleaner Car. Where did you purchase your CMX Cleaning Car? Nick

[@trainwild]

Hi Nick, The track cleaning car can be purchased from the Tony's Train Xchange website. They are awesome and work great. Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it! 😀

[@nickltrains6952]

@@trainwild Thanks for the info.

[@trainwild]

@@nickltrains6952 Your welcome Nick

[@NHseacoast]

Nice video! Do,you have links for the products you recommend? Including the CVX cars? Thanks! Subscribed

[@trainwild]

Thank you very much! and welcome to my channel! Thank you for Subscribing😀The CMX clean machine is available at Tony's Trains Exchange. Here is the URL: tonystrains.com/store

[@NHseacoast]

Interesting! Is lacquer thinnerok on rubber traction tires? Thanks George

[@trainwild]

Although the lacquer thinner works great cleaning the rails, it will melt the rubber tires at some point. Therefore, use caution when applying it. The good news is, it evaporates very quickly, so us slow drips if you are using a CMX clean machine or when applying it with any other method. You can also wipe down the rails with a dry rag or towel after cleaning. I also keep spare rubber tires on hand in case they get damaged, and I just swap them out after a good cleaning of the rails. Hope this helps, good luck with your layout!

[@keithwood638]

Have a question about isolated blocks. Will have 6 electrically isolated blocks and of course 6 drop feeders per aprox 100 feet track loop. I have 3 100 foot loops interconnected with ross switches. each loop will be powered by powerhouse 180 watt brick transformer and each loop will have a tpc 400. Does that sound good to you? have wired using a star pattern. will use DCS and TMCC to different degrees. Thank you George. You are very knowledge and value your opinion

[@trainwild]

Hey Keith, that definitely sounds like an awesome layout! Especially with the Ross switches. I'm sure your layout will be really great. the 180-watt brick transformer per loop will work very well and provide plenty of power. The star pattern wiring for DCS works well, and the DCS &TMCC systems make for a very nice combination. The only thing I would like to add is to make sure you have enough drop feeders. I think you mentioned 6 drop feeders per 100 feet of track loop. I recommend drop feeders closer together at least every 6 feet or better (Normally I recommend every 3-4 feet). Ultimately the choice is yours and whatever you are most comfortable with. Yes, 6 drop feeders per 100 feet of track loop will work, but you run the chance of voltage drop because of the distance in between the drop feeders. If you can add a few more drop feeders for each loop, this will help minimize the chances of voltage drop and will result in smoother operation of your trains. I hope this helps, thank you for your questions, and for watching my videos. I really appreciate it Keith, good luck with your layout!

[@veganjen5420]

Great tips. I didn’t know they sold cleaning trains...it’s like having a maid do all the work...lol

[@trainwild]

Ha! The trains made the mess, not me. The least they can do is clean up after themselves...lol😉

[@veganjen5420]

@@trainwild I concur!😂

[@TheRetrospectVault]

Do they make a tool to align the o gauge engine on the track

[@trainwild]

Yes, its called a railer. lionel makes one as well, and you can find one online.

[@TheRetrospectVault]

thank you@@trainwild

[@trainwild]

Your welcome!

[@trainwild]

I just posted a video on my channel featuring two different railers that you might find interesting. Hope this helps!

[@TheRetrospectVault]

I watched it thanks @@trainwild

[@EmpireBeltRR]

Thanks for the track cleaning tips George!! Using a fish tank cleaner is a great idea. On my HO scale layout I use some homemade slider cars that have a Masonite type pad attached to the underside of some of my boxcars and coal hoppers. I place them in the various trains and they just slide along cleaning the track as they go. Here is a link to them: newyorkcentrallayout.blogspot.com/2014/03/track-cleaning-cars-update.html

[@trainwild]

Your welcome John! Yes it works very well, especially for harder to rezch areas. Your idea with the slider cars sounds great also. I will definitely check out the link that you sent me. Thanks!!!

[@keithbernard972]

What type of track do you have for your O gauge trains

[@trainwild]

Hi Keith, I have Atlas O track on my layout. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@JimBee-j5s]

Acetone for me