A tip for cleaning 9v tracks!

[BrickWild]

A Flickr user, called Caleb Randolph disovered a simple, ingenuious solution for cleaning 9v train tracks:
Using toothpaste! ;)

Not only does it clean and polish the rails to "NEW" condition but it also leaves track smelling clean and fresh!
Anyone tried this yet?

[Pilotdude]

Does he just smear it on and then rub it off or what?

[BrickWild]

Does he just smear it on and then rub it off or what?

He probably used tissue or cotton bud.

[danutsta]

awesome tip, thanks.

[nkx1]

You can also use Brasso metal polish. $3 at Home Depot. I've used this stuff on many bare metal surfaces with awesome results. But you wont get that minty fresh smell afterwards like with crest!

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R ... reId=10051" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[BrickWild]

You can also use Brasso metal polish. $3 at Home Depot. I've used this stuff on many bare metal surfaces with awesome results. But you wont get that minty fresh smell afterwards like with crest!

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R ... reId=10051" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They can also be cleaned with Silvo or methylated spirits, which is a great metal cleaner.

[Neo]

Does he just smear it on and then rub it off or what?

from the the text associated with the OP photo in the link below
http://www.flickr.com/photos/46711946@N07/5582832259/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

1. Apply the toothpaste with a tooth brush to a cloth
2. gently rubs the cloth over the metal parts of the rail until the cloth is black.
3. wipe off the remaining toothpaste from the metal rails with a clean cloth and/or a toothbrush.
4. rinsed metal rails with warm water
5. pat dry the metal rails.

I just bought a 9 volt track system - so I have quite a decent number of 9v track to clean. Hence, my interest. The dirt on the track causes speed- power variation for the 9vdc train motor and makes it harder to control. I have brass-metal polish too. I report back later on the results. My 9vdc train system is part of a 9v conversion project for my Lone Ranger Train (Constitution Train Chase) which currently is being remotely controlled using Power Function train motor system.

[crewser]

One method I used in my model railroad days was to use a piece of hardboard, also called Masonite to rub un the rails. The oxides on the rails, which acts as an insulator, does not conduct electricity very and the hardboard will gently remove it. Use the rough side of the hardboard at first when the rails are at their worst, and later a quick pass of the smooth side should suffice.

The trouble with some cleaners is that they leave a residue. This residue also is an insulator.

How does the power supply connect to the Lego set rails?

[Neo]

One method I used in my model railroad days was to use a piece of hardboard, also called Masonite to rub un the rails. The oxides on the rails, which acts as an insulator, does not conduct electricity very and the hardboard will gently remove it. Use the rough side of the hardboard at first when the rails are at their worst, and later a quick pass of the smooth side should suffice.

The trouble with some cleaners is that they leave a residue. This residue also is an insulator.

How does the power supply connect to the Lego set rails?

A wire with a pair of connectors (bricklink# 5306c01) is mechanically attached onto a railroad tie section of a railroad track(bricklink# 2865 /2867) from the side while connecting electrically onto the metal rail of the track. The other end of the contact wire is connected to a variable 9vdc controller (bricklink# 2868b) which is powered by a 9vdc to 120vdc transformer (bricklink# 70931) that plugs into the wall outlet. The electrical power drops as the distance increases from the nearest connectors a bad connection between tracks (e.g. from corroded railroad track contacts) can also lead to a power loss as well. I am still in the testing phase with the 9vdc train motor (bricklink# 590)- so it isn't pull or pushing anything other than itself.

[crewser]

A wire with a pair of connectors (bricklink# 5306c01) is mechanically attached onto a railroad tie section of a railroad track(bricklink# 2865 /2867) from the side while connecting electrically onto the metal rail of the track. The other end of the contact wire is connected to a variable 9vdc controller (bricklink# 2868b) which is powered by a 9vdc to 120vdc transformer (bricklink# 70931) that plugs into the wall outlet. The electrical power drops as the distance increases from the nearest connectors a bad connection between tracks (e.g. from corroded railroad track contacts) can also lead to a power loss as well. I am still in the testing phase with the 9vdc train motor (bricklink# 590)- so it isn't pull or pushing anything other than itself.

Extra connectors can be used around the track to overcome the resistance issue. An engine that is self powered, like you are trying to do would be best, as likely the rails would corrode quickly after any cleaning, and continually need maintenance to keep it running. I have never looked at the Lego rails closely, so I doubt they are using nickel silver surfaces, which in the model railroad industry is still the best rail. The oxides on NS rails will still conduct electricity better that other rail metals, and it is slower to oxidize, but they still need cleaning to ensure better performance.