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Cleaning Lionel O Gauge O31 tubular Track
Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 11:23 pm
by 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 ?
Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 11:31 pm
by MDLR
I stick Mamod track in the dishwasher (when SWMBO is not around..............)
Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 11:44 pm
by dclavey
No dishwasher unfortunately.
Wife says, how about WD40 and cotton wool ?
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 12:49 am
by MDLR
Hot water and washing-up liquid, followed by WD40 and a green scouring pad - shouldn't take the plating off .
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:07 am
by big-ted
MDLR:107996 wrote:I stick Mamod track in the dishwasher (when SWMBO is not around..............)
Do you not find this takes the black paint off?
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:59 am
by 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................
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 10:43 am
by 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.
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 11:49 am
by tom_tom_go
If you are not running power through the track do you need to clean it as it looks weathered
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 12:20 pm
by 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.
