Cleaning Lionel O Gauge O31 tubular Track

[dclavey]

I have just bought a case of 80 year old Lionel O Gauge O31 tubular Track on ebay for 99p. I am using it as a test track for my SM32 HGLW diesel Loco and carriages.

Example of SM32 using Lional O Guage (with middle rail removed):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0Ib2pbVSv4



The track is very grimy and a bit smelly, I wondered what I should use to clean it ?

[MDLR]

I stick Mamod track in the dishwasher (when SWMBO is not around..............)

[dclavey]

No dishwasher unfortunately.

Wife says, how about WD40 and cotton wool ?

[MDLR]

Hot water and washing-up liquid, followed by WD40 and a green scouring pad - shouldn't take the plating off .

[big-ted]

I stick Mamod track in the dishwasher (when SWMBO is not around..............)

Do you not find this takes the black paint off?

[MDLR]

It didn't when I did it last year and I wouldn't want todo it TOO often, but it hadn't been cleaned for about 15 years................

[Big Jim]

Avoid fairy liquid as it contains salt and will exacerbate rust. Have used autoglym car shampoo on some old b/lowke tinplate with a tooth brush. Autoglym has a rust retarder in it.

[tom_tom_go]

If you are not running power through the track do you need to clean it as it looks weathered

[dclavey]

No, not running power through track, so like rugged look, but would like it less smelly, and less dirty too touch.

Mind you this is probably 80 year old track, so probably has 80 years of grime!

I am mainly using it as an indoor test track.