Stop Cleaning Your Track on Your Model Railroad

In this video I'm going to tell you why and how to stop cleaning your track on your model railroad layout. There has been much debate and many videos aboout track cleaning and what to use to clean track. I am going to show you a way to clean and treat your track what will virtually eliminate the need for repeated, intensive cleaning.
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Video Contents:
0:00 Introduction
2:05 The Problem of Track Cleaning
3:06 The Problem of Abrasive Cleaners
3:50 The Problem of Track Oxidation
5:00 The Problem of Micro Arching
6:23 The Goal: Good Electrical Conductivity
7:29 Evaluating Cleaning Products
8:23 The Problem of Polar Cleaners
9:38 Isopropyl Alcohol as a Cleaner
10:30 Non-Polar Cleaners
11:42 Mineral Spirits as a Cleaner
12:29 NO-OX-ID as a Protectant
13:36 How to Use NO-OX-ID
16:58 How to Clean Track After Using NO-OX-ID
17:28 Traction Tires
17:59 For Further Information
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[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I have reviewed some great tools for model railroading. Check them out in this set of videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXjYmGl3qNWrj80

[@flyinaroundstl]

I admit, I was skeptical at first. I've always been a Brightboy user on my track and never really tried any other chemical/solvent cleaners. But after getting increasingly frustrated at how poorly even my brand new locomotives were running, I decided to give this technique a try. In just an hour of cleaning my mainline track, the locomotives that I'd relegated to a sidetrack for "permanent storage" because they ran so poorly are now running more smoothly than any locomotive I've ever run anywhere. It's truly been a game-changer for me and my layout! Thank you Ron!!!!!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I am glad to hear this. Thanks for the testimonial. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@mariov1743]

I've been trying to warn people for years about all this. I prefer the Wahl Oil.

[@MojaveModelRailroad]

Seriously, this has to be the biggest tip of the year for model railroading maintenance. Thank you so much for sharing Ron.

[@williamluther7251]

i very new to this hobby, 2 months now i guess, but didn't realize how fast tracks get dirty, at slower speed i noticed the headlights flickering (im not buss wired) voltage drop i thought, checked for voltage drops none found, cleaned made a huge difference for a day or two, use the no ox id a special, admittingly i did use too much first time and lost traction on incline, my fault , cleaned track again and used very very little , no more issues for 2 weeks have not touched track since, Thank You Sir.

[@Osprey850]

I did exactly what Ron suggested (cleaned the track with mineral spirits and applied No-Ox that I bought from Amazon) and our trains went from barely being able to get moving and go around turns to now running as fast as I've ever seen them run. For the record, we have a Marx #999 set from the 1940s. They're not tiny trains and tracks like in this video, but foot-long cars on 2in-wide, 3-rail tracks. They're very similar to early Lionel train sets. I mention it just so that others know that Ron's guide works on train sets as large and as old as that, too. Thanks so much, Ron! The trains that my mom played with as a kid in the 1950s and I played with as a kid in the 1980s now run like we both remember them, despite being 75 years old and never having been cleaned in all that time!

[@StephenCarlBaldwin]

I concur with those who suggest that this be nominated as "Tip of the Year." I did what Ron suggested and slow-speed performance improved immediately on my N layout. Thank you, Ron!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I'm glad to hear you had success with it. I believe most who have had problems are applying it way too thick.

[@PEDEMONTIOS]

Just tried it and it’s night and day! -Shiny clean tracks -Easy application -Economical -Super quiet afterwards Thank you for taking the time to put the science behind your reasoning. Great way to improve the layout

[@vincentpe305]

Something I learnd with slot cars. Get a large pencil eraser and rub it against the track and vacuum the dust. Done. No chemicals or abrasive.

[@tommartino6220]

Participated in an annual Toy Train Expo last weekend. Roughly 11 hours of continually running 3 N trains over 2 days. Done this many years and normally at the end of each day headlights are flickering and intermittent running. Had to use the bright boy each day to keep them running. Tried this technique this year and the entire weekend everything ran flawlessly! I totally advocate this method.

[@bsalightning69]

Been following the whole track thing for some time, and personally, I am an old Lionel guy, so track cleaning happens regularly. Have tried all kinds of stuff like everyone, but a while back started using automotive surface prep. (the stuff comes in a gallon can and used for cleaning bare metal before painting). I have had good results with it, and will stay nice for a long time span. I have my layout suspended from the ceiling above my work shop and use a old school track cleaning car, fill it up and run it. A good tip from a friend!

[@tedfisk1211]

Ron, thank you for this video. I purchased the no ox stuff from Amazon. I have started cleaning the track on my layout and applying the no ox stuff. The operation of my locomotives has greatly improved. This is a great suggestion and I am very happy that I saw this video. Thank you again.

[@Chief25WBG]

Ron, thanks so much for making and sharing this. The research and tips are very much appreciated. This is one of the most helpful tips I have seen related to maintaining my layout and keeping my fleet moving.

[@nscalenspittsburghline2967]

This was a game changer. I have a 1970s Bachmann set that ran like crap but even just the mineral spirits without the grease has helped. Thanks for sharing!

[@davidbegg]

This WORKS. I tried it on a section of my track and the difference is amazing. Locos now go so smoothly and also slowly if required. I am extremely happy, how long it will last is yet to be determined, but even if i have do the procedure once a month, so what, the improvement in running is so great. Thank you so much.

[@colintaylor8499]

Hi Ron I am from uk with a n gauge layout in a very dusty/dirty garage. I have (had) to clean tracks between every running session, albeit sometimes only a quick “rub” on dirty/stopping areas if after only a few days. Used your cleaning regime 3 weeks ago (after waiting weeks for products to arrive from Amazon USA) -- ran trains again tonight, NO issues at all, perfect running - absolutely unbelievable! Thank you so much Ron Can’t believe some of the negative comments you get to this video - please totally ignore them - again thank you so much for your shared advice. Colin

[@scottthurman3625]

Great information, thanks. I have to admit I time warped back to every time my father was explaining a process to me about a repair or maintenance procedure involved to properly execute a task and how I just wanted him to cut to the chase. I love you Dad, thanks.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

🤣🤣🤣

[@centeroftheearthmining4095]

Wow!!! Would have never thought of this! Thanks for bringing it to our attention!

[@subron14]

Great tip, retired and Just getting into rail roading doing HO scale and living in Maryland I will be using this grease on my new Peco track and my Chessie system loco ES44AC. Setting up DCC and thanks to guy’s like you I’m slowly learning to do things the right way.

[@michaelmappin4425]

I had a small N gauge set as a 9 year old boy. When my dad passed away 2 years ago, I ended up with it after not seeing it for 45 years. It didn't work, so I ended up getting rid of it. I now realize it was probably just dirty track. I decided to buy an HO set last Christmas. I was so happy to see it running around the tree. Set it up this year, and the locomotive is running jerky around with starts and stops everywhere. Now I found this video. I just ordered the no ox id.

[@DubaiTrains]

Hi Ron, great in detail video. I fully agree and have been using INOX for some months now (has the same properties as NO-OX) and it works amazing! I especially like that these products clean the wheels at the same time. No more cleaning 1000 box car wheels!!

[@jamieblakley]

This video really hit the spot on providing the information I needed. I'm cleaning an old Marx track and I almost used steel wool on it. Thankfully, I found your video first and will be using the Mineral Spirits and the No Ox- A special. Really great stuff. Appreciate ya.

[@Scaletrains]

Great video, Ron. Thanks for sharing those tips and tricks with the community. -Drayton

[@americanindependantmedia9229]

Finally..Someone that blinded me with science. Leave opinions out, and stick to the facts. LOVE IT! This kind of info, and explanations, are the reason I watch your channel. Awesome, well done!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks so much, Rob. I do try to get to the bottom of things as much as I can.

[@garyrunnalls7714]

I was ready to set fire to my n scale railroad. You saved me from blowing up my set. This technique worked incredibly!!!!!!!! Thank you so much.

[@StanFerris]

Very interesting, Ron. Thanks! This will be a great help to many modelers. Because I live in a desert climate, the oxidation and dust were just too big a continuing problem, and all my modelling time was spent wheel and rail cleaning. So I converted from DCC to dead-rail battery power.

[@scottanderson2784]

Glad to see you support this

[@StanFerris]

Ron has some great tips. And this one will be a great help to many modelers.

[@Howie2025]

Well that might be one of your best and most informative videos to date Ron. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@amblealong4581]

Thank you for your detailed, well researched, informative dissertation. I'll definitely give this process a try.

[@marsfromrexford]

I had a bottle of 'No-Ox" when I was a kid 35 - 40 years ago, a yellowish fluid that the owner of the shop recommended, interesting for sure. In the auto industry the term micro arcing is also used to describe the surface degradation of secondary ignition components such as ignition cables. We were encouraged to apply dielectric grease on the connections between the coil towers, wires, plugs ect to minimize the accumulation of the black stuff and pitting that micro arcing causes that that in turn adds resistance. This all makes perfect sense.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes indeed, same principle on a smaller scale--like Z scale. LOL.

[@stevenbullock9276]

Great info. Have been using IPA to clean my tracks, will switch to mineral spirits. As an O-gauger, I was wondering about the no-ox and traction tires. Glad you mentioned it.

[@derekalexander4030]

Thank you for taking the time to investigate this and then to share what you learned with the rest of us. Probably one of the biggest chores and constantly annoying things to do on a layout. There’s nothing like going to show someone your layout only to have the trains stop or stutter and ruin the whole experience.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I think we can all relate to that experience. So frustrating.

[@DamonGaskin]

Very in depth. Not a simple topic at all. Fishplate' and Chadwick discussions prompted me to try the Inox. I didn't give it much thought, other than "mnnnn, I'll try it, but I don't expect much". But once I put that Inox on a dust monkey(woodland scenics), and ran it around twice, the twins have never run better, smoother, slower, and more reliably. These conductivity products are awesome! Never would have thought it, but true! I, now, only apply the lubricant maybe every couple of months... I don't have to do anything else. No wheel cleaning, nothing..It's been really a game changer on mine.. Chadwick model railway is heavy on good things also..

[@michaelbroshears3053]

Many thanks. I’ve known about this product for a few years but never purchased it. When I first saw this video I ordered a tub. I finally started deep cleaning and lightly applying this No-Ox. Wow Wow Wow!!!! After not running the main for a year It’s running great. Basically you alone spurred me into doing something. I highly recommend it. I built this as a switching layout with many many feet of track but figured I would never have successive op sessions. I’m feeling much better now. With a renewed motivation I hope to get the whole layout running smoothly. Didn’t mean to ramble on but thanks again!

[@jamesburba1995]

Very informative, and plainly explained. I have a much better understanding of track 'cleaning'. I'm definitely going to implement what I have learned from you. Thank you Ron !

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I look forward to hearing about your experience.

[@johnacheson3961]

Thanks for the shout out Ron. Very nice informative video.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Hey John. I try to give credit where it is due. 👍🏼

[@ChicagoCrossingRR]

Thanks for sharing Ron. Even my worst-performing locos (all FVM oddly enough) run like a dream now.

[@rvnmedic1968]

I had a couple of track sections on my new layout whereby the engine stopped and stuttered. I checked the voltage before and after the section and it right on 15v. Looking at the track, it appeared cleaned. So I saw your vid, Ron, and ordered both products from Amazon. After receiving them, I got to work applying and rubbing them as directed. AND, the engine is now happy with those two sections! Amazing that the track looked good but failed until really cleaning them. Thanks for a very helpful vid. Cheers, Bob

[@kraigsickels3918]

Hey Ron !!! Great advice on track maintenance, I have been cleaning track with a clean cloth for years and I was not sure 🤔 which cleaner to use . I did watch Gregg from Fish Plate films and I totally agree on both of you 😁 . I do have Mineral Spirts and I will use it !!! And always a thumbs up 👍!!!

[@stevehughes5403]

I am a Contractor, so I have lots of mineral spirits around for use on Jobs and have used it with Train Sets for years. I also have been buying for work these Foam sanding blocks. I use the 400 grit Blocks for tracks without any negative problems for about 10 years. I rub the 400 grit block around the track then follow up with the Vac, and then wipe down with a damp cloth of mineral spirits about twice a year. I have never heard of the stuff at the end of the video, but may get some and try it. Thanks for the video.

[@michaelbroshears3053]

Thanks Ron. I heard about this product years ago. Yes people I know have talked about every possible type of cleaning or product. I tried a few but the key has been no long lasting results. This scientific method makes more sense. Beyond this method I believe that keeping the environment in the layout room cleaner is a goal to have. I put up a painted OSB panel ceiling to keep dust/dirt from falling from raw floor above. Putting the dryer upstairs as well. Painting concrete floor. Changing furnace filters often. It has all helped in this respect. Again I thank you for this video and hope people follow the process. Keep up the good work.

[@johnkelley4404]

Just stumbled on your channel and I've built woodland scenics n scale ridge with Broadway limited Paragon 3 sound and subwoofer and always shorted out. With this new method I can go all around the track at 2 steps!! Thank you so much for the no ox I'd method I quit running my trains but now I'm getting new locos for the fun!! Thank you again!!!!

[@jeffreymcconnell6794]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful information, Ron. Excellent presentation and research.

[@patrickmurphy6775]

Excellent information! Changed my way of thinking!

[@genejordan9983]

I know a guy that has the best tracks ever. He dealt with this problem back in the 70s. He took an old gold ring and rubbed the rails. Goes exactly what you are talking about. I thought he was crazy but now it makes sense. You can’t see gold on the rail but it does put a microscopic layer. Gold never oxidizes. Gold is the highest electrical conductor. I’m going to order that no-ox. Great video Ron

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Gold ring--interesting. Never thought of that technique before. thanks for sharing that.

[@JF-lt5zc]

Sure, it starts easily enough. Next thing you know, you're on a long journey into dark lands, pursued by a weird little gray man thing and eventually end up hating your best friend.

[@davidrarig5922]

I have used the No Ox Id on my Kato Unitrack rail joiners when assembling track. In the past I have encountered enough oxidation to cause a large voltage drop at the joiner, and so far this product seems to eliminate the problem. Two years and counting on the track in my staging yard with no voltage problems.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Interesting use of the product. Thanks for telling us. 👍🏼

[@jamesbach2021]

I've been using IPA for years and it seemed to work okay. After watching this video I carefully cleaned the track with mineral spirits and then applied the grease. What a difference. Especially in the yard. My 060 and the little diesel switchers don't hesitate at all. I can also see a big difference in performance in the main lines. I initially had a traction issue on the grades. A little too much grease. So I ran locomotives pulling John Allen style track cleaning cars on the layout for a couple hours. I would stop them every ten minutes or so and sand the grease off the Masonite pad . That resolved the problem. This is a must see video for anyone with a layout. Great work Ron! Thank you!

[@jamesbach2021]

Just a follow up. Eight months in my layout performs past my wildest dreams. I had to clean up a frog this afternoon and that is the first "cleaning" I had to perform since my original post. Follow the instructions in the video and your layout will work amazing too!!!

[@mikediehl1468]

Wow Ron! Now that's some great information! Thank you for your time to do this research!

[@vincenthuying98]

Thanks Ron, great addition to the Fishplate video, love your concise explanation of the micro-arcing, definitely gonna read Joe Fugate’s column.

[@ralphrenzetti22]

Ron, I hate to say I told you so, but we talked about this two years ago on Model Railroading Live and you laughed at me and said, “I’m not putting grease on my rails”, just like people are saying to you now! I also mentioned to you about the stainless steel washer. Well it has been two years plus since we talked about this and except for dust I have not had to clean my rails since we talked. The bottom line is, with proper pre-maintenance this process works very well, provided it’s applied properly as you mention!

[@tyrinonbrightblade]

What about this stainless steel washer? Sounds like another great tip we should know about. ;)

[@ralphrenzetti22]

Tyrion, the stainless steel washer acts as a honing stone/steel would for a knife. It burnishes the scratches created by a bright boy or filing the imperfect joints, thus reducing places for dirt and grime to accumulate!

[@DeathByFishing]

Very informative. Thanks Ron!

[@brianpagemodeltrains]

Thanks for all your research and for sharing this, Ron, this is great info. I need to change my entire process.

[@carltierman4202]

Totally awesome Ron, Thanks for the information, I'm going to give this a try.

[@AM-jd9pw]

Tried the No-Ox using your technique a couple days ago, big difference so far

[@tkram999]

Thanks Ron, took quite a while to get hold of the NO-OX-ID from the US (I am in Australia) but all my loco's are much happier now. Only time I regretted having so many loco's!! Has taken me the best part of today to get them all across it. Well worth the effort though. Cheers!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I'm glad tonhear you got it and it is working well for you. 👍🏼

[@StevesTrains]

Great stuff Ron!

[@edmiller9453]

I'll be trying this as soon as I can.

[@petermayiii1112]

You can also buy electrical contact grease in little packets about the size of a ketchup pack at your local auto parts stores. That's enough to last for years.

[@skerbs7755]

Thank you for sharing! Thank you for saving me from a big mistake!

[@johnrothus1264]

Nice job pulling the bits together. Interesting how the old lore now has a science based context to help explain past beliefs.

[@tracksidethomas]

I did this a few weeks ago. Wow! Thank you so much! I have a picky Bachmann GP 40 that always gave me trouble. I haven't had to putz with that one yet! Thanks again.

[@ohyikes1]

You completely answered every one of my track cleaning questions.Thank you.

[@trainssker]

Tried this on CIRC layout in Des Moines during Iowa State Fair. Lots of trains running. Cleaned Wheels before fair and ran A couple of Brass Cleaning Cars with Rollers and Mineral Spirits ahead of the first day and then applied NO OX. Instead of running wet rollers at beginning of each day we ran dry rollers and picked up an amount that you would expect when running multiple trains from 7 AM to around 8:30 PM for 10 straight days. I thought we might consider using a roller with NO OX on it to coat the track evenly instead of doing it by hand but I didn’t get a chance to try it. I do like the system and would like to try that method of application. Using a dry roller to clean seems to work quite well and cuts back on the possibility of paint damage to loco shells from the Mineral Spirits. Enjoyed your presentation! 👍

[@brucegiroux]

A polarizing subject to be sure. Thanks Ron.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

🤣🤣🤣 Good to see you, Bruce.

[@rafaelallenblock]

Decades ago one of the model mags recommended ATF and that's my go-to for keeping track clean and efficient.

[@challengerrail1036]

Thats what ive been ising as well, is clean ATF, even though, i do have a separate track, im trying used filtered ATF to see if theres a huge difference

[@Perfusionist01]

Thanks Ron, nice job!

[@xenomorph2056]

Dude this is legit!! I'm trying this out for sure!

[@peterburgess980]

Very interesting Ron, thank you.

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

I was familiar with Joe’s article, but thanks for the tip on No Ox. Ordered it tonight.

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

This is amazing I can’t wait to try this 😃 thank you 🙏

[@dougmoeller8726]

All right Ron....you went and did it NOW!! I went out and got the stuff you recommended to clean the rails and the damn stuff works!!! Not only do the engines glide over the rails like a hot knife through butter but my caboose vans that have lights in them dont flicker!!!! Thank you for passing this on to us!!!

[@wmh.783]

Your science-focused approach, coupled with the video from Gregg at Fishplate Films, provide terrific information that SHOULD revolutionize track cleaning for all of us!! Testimonial - I was fortunate to visit the Kato plant in suburban Tokyo two years ago. I bought their track cleaner- no surprise it smells exactly like mineral spirits!!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

That is interesting. Thanks for sharing that.

[@cprtrain]

Thanks Ron. I'll give it a try.

[@cabincreek1692]

I did what Ron suggested just after this video was made. I haven't had to clean my track since. Thank you Ron.

[@DGModelworks]

Great stuff Ron! Glad I watched this before using the CRC 226 that I already bought. Thanks for sharing the info. Just placed an order.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Hey Deryk. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@tomboese367]

Thank you for this VERY informative video. I plan to order some No-Ox today. My problems are the same as everyone else has experienced. Whether it's an old engine, a new engine ... same ol problems. I questioned my power packs, engines and track. Just two days ago I finally decided it was a track problem, and then MIRACULOUSLY THIS VIDEO CAME UP TODAY. Thank the Lord, and thank you Ron!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Good luck and let us know what you think.

[@tomboese367]

@@RonsTrainsNThings My No-Ox came, and I got busy right away cleaning my track. I would give this report. 1. Use SPAIRINGLY. If you think you have enough, youi probably have TOO MUCH. I spent a long time cleaning the "excess off of my track, and off of my train wheels as it picked up a lot of excess from the rails. Once cleaned up, however, I have been very pleased with the results. 2. Results: ALL of my trains, even the very old ones, run very well, even at very slow speeds. Furthermore, my only engine with sounds is producing better sounds!!! I will be eager to see how long they will run without getting dirty and loosing continuity. This has been a major battle for me and a major frustration. Therefore, I thank you so very much for this GREAT cleaning video. God bless you well.

[@joerivers1768]

Great Video! Just ordered my No-OX-ID from Amazon. Thank you. I'll comment again after I get my layout super cleaned and reconditioned.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I look forward to hearing about your experience.

[@Steelerfan820]

Thanks for all that work

[@miketate3788]

I have found the product on Amazon and have ordered a small amount. This video is amazing! I have learned so much! Thank you. Am going to try this as soon as the product arrives. Thanks, Ron. Mike from near Toronto.

[@ModelRailway]

Excellent and interesting informative video! I’ve switched from IPA to WD-40 contact cleaner and have been impressed (I do have some traction tyres being a U.K. layout). A couple of additional tips … I operate a Dapol track cleaner with the vacuum mode and it’s amazing how much dust and debris can get on a layout! Also I use a small vacuum cleaner during any projects to the layout … it’s amazing how many videos you see where sawdust after drilling is simply blown away to pollute another part of the layout! I also use a dehumidifier in my railway shed and this helps reduce and stabilise the humidity … as just like the real railway, water is an enemy! 👍

[@NissyJ-SAL]

holey smokes I had no idea! Thank you for this video.

[@ronaldjoyce7374]

Woooow Ron, I’m totally going to Amazon after I thank you once again🙏 THANK YOU! Your right, nothing seems to work, I clean so much I wanna hire a maid service LOL. Ya gotta feel great when you can teach an old dog new tricks, thanks again. 😊

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Good luck. Let us know what your experience is.

[@StandardGoose]

I'm just getting back into the hobby as an adult, and so I'm building a small 6'x4' layout as a practice run while creating the benchwork for a large attic layout. For that practice layout I'm using a load of old 1970s/1980s steel track my mother-in-law found clearing out her garage. No Ox ID is incredibly expensive in the UK. I've seen it being sold for £60-£100. Intensive cleaning is likely to be a part of my life for the foreseeable future.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Wow, that is insanely expensive. Sorry to hear that. Hope it all goes well for you.

[@RAHauck-ic6wh]

Ron, I watch many videos on how to improve/make better your RR layout. This is a first for me as I never subscribe to any channel as I prefer to bookmark and come back later. Without a doubt, of the many very fine videos that I have watched in the past, I find this bit of information one of the best and most helpful for maintaining one's layout. You did a great job explaining what happens to the track, and how to get the most out of running our trains. I will pass this information on to those who need or could use it. You have a new subscriber.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks for the kind words and welcome to the channel.

[@theflashturtle29]

You may as well subscribe to any channels you find to be useful and enjoyable as it helps the creators get more viewers.

[@michaeltabone2676]

Im really glad I just found this video. Im about 2-3 months away from breaking ground on my benchwork. Hopefully now I will be able to get the best performance out of my new track

[@schadowolf]

Absolutely great instructional video. Well done and thank you for sharing!

[@michaelpfau1150]

After watching you video, I used mineral spirits and cleaned every bit of my track. By far the best cleaner I have ever used. I have some small switchers that cut out on the layout. After using mineral spirits, they run like a champ. I have received the No Ox in the mail and now in the process of applying that. All my locos (22) of them and over 140 rolling stock have been cleaned as well. Really looking forward to the No Ox. Thanks for the tip . Good video.

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

Definitely going to switch to this method of track maintenance.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

You will love it.

[@magform]

As someone who grew up in the "brass rail era," I know that many of our ideas on track cleaning comes from that era. Brass rail oxidizes different from Nickel Silver. Also, some of my earliest flex track used fiber rails, which is not as affected by alcohols as plastics. Now, one of the things that was promoted early about Nickel Silver, is that the oxidation is conductive, unlike brass. Brass would get so oxidized, that it took something like a "Brite Boy" to get through it to fresh brass. Curious as to how this product affects brass rail and wheels, as many of my locos are old enough to have brass wheels. I agree with the frustration of constant rail maintenance. I left HO and N at one point and went back to "toy trains." But my enthusiasm for scale models has returned in my retirement, and I will try your suggestions, once I get the track clean. Thanks!

[@tonyromano6220]

I bet it works on brass.

[@tonyromano6220]

The conductive is a game changer.

[@dallashopkins5356]

What exactly are "TOY TRAINS" @magform ?

[@TheTrainFreak]

Very cool Ron! I will have to check that out. I constantly have to clean my track with denatured alcohol because IPA leaves a film residue but mine is also in the garage and the garage door doesn't have the best seal at the top so you can imagine all the dust from the wind getting all over the layout. - Jason

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

The best remedy for dust is a vacuum, not contact cleaning. My basement is relatively dusty too. I use this process, then run the vacuum over the track every so often.

[@TheTrainFreak]

@@RonsTrainsNThings I would vacuum then run my CMX car with denatured alcohol afterwards. I also noticed a long time ago that the black plastic wheels gunked rails faster than the metal wheels which I have converted everything to now.

[@joanneboutin7904]

Great video & information Ron! Thanks a lot

[@jhoodfysh]

Great video with explanations, thanks Ron!

[@dwightatnorthernstar1820]

Yup, I had already been doing what Fishplate suggested, only starting with a clean track first then following his procedure. Even with a dusty garage layout this has been successful. 2-26 has a protectorate in it Ron. Fishplate recommends it I also have polished my track with a chrome washer beforehand.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

You should switch to CRC's Contact Cleaner & Protectant. It is less polar and dpes a better job reducing micor-arcing and oxidation. 2-26 is more polar.

[@IMRROcom]

Nice video, Thanks

[@tundramanq]

Made me look.. I have a 2 ounce bottle of DE-OX-ID liquid electronic contact cleaner, from GC Electronics, that I bought in the 80s. Works great for contacts. Put it on with a toothpick and lightly scrub off the arc marks. Not listed as having lube but doesn't seem to accelerate corrosion either. Since "a little daub will do it!" the bottle is still 3/4 full. For sliding contacts your NO-OX-ID especial sounds better.

[@greeneyedggirl]

This is great information Ron, thank you so much!

[@edcrane4438]

Excellent information, U answered questions I haven’t even thought of, TY so much for this video!

[@davidausterman5915]

Cool. I just bought a jar of this a few months back for antenna ground rod treatment. Had no idea it has so many uses.

[@franklinlinebarger8339]

Thank you so much. Have seen so many cleaning processes. Looking forward to try. Makes a lot sense. Just can't see rubbing all the time with all those other products. Great leg work.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Like the video very much .Lots of detail .Hope there more to come.

[@patrickmurphy6775]

Excellent video. While I am not a technical kind of guy, your explanation was very good. It shows you did your homework without just coming out and reccomending a product. Kudos all around.

[@oregonjointlinemodelrailro4125]

I've been using No-Ox for around 12 years with no real track cleaning and great performance. In my experience you're making the application of it harder than it needs to be. Once every few years I just apply a small dab on the end of a toothpick about every 30 feet or so and spread it via locomotive (light power the first couple times through as there will be some slippage). I've never gone to the effort to wipe it off because I apply it so sparingly. I'm sure what you're doing will work fine as well, but it's a lot more effort than is needed to be effective in my experience. If I haven't run the layout for more than a month I'll just run a boxcar equipped with a Woodland Scenics Dustmonkey on the axle ahead of trains to dust the tracks on the first run (which is far more fun that getting out the vacuum!).

[@gmburzynski68]

I can attest that the OJL runs great!! The times I have been there, everything ran flawlessly.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

That's good to know. That is how I used to apply clipper oil. I just followed the Sanchem recommendations, but that is easier and good to know it works.

[@VeteranMilitiaMan]

Do you have any locomotives with traction tires?