Goo Gone to clean track???

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am contemplating adding Goo Gone as a cleaning tool in addition to my Peco eraser. So what is the best way to apply it, can I just dab some on a soft cloth and then wipe the rails or do I need to do anything else?

Thank you

gp_haro

2

yep, that’s the way I do it.

3

Goo Gone leaves a film on the rails that attracts dirt and this will just make you have to clean the tracks more.

If you want to only have to clean the rails once a year use metal polish and have more fun running trains instead of cleaning track, unless you LIKE to CLEAN track!

I have over 2600 feet of track to clean so cleaning track is not high on my list of things I like to do. Try it and see. If it does not work just go back to the Goo Gone.

BOB H Clarion, PA

4

I use Goo Gone on a rag, but always follow up with 70% Isopropyl alcohol. In addition to attracting dirt, the film left behind with destroy any traction tire that you have on your engines. I have found Goo Gone to be a superior degreaser and solvent, though.

5

Goo Gone is one of the many liquid cleaners in my inventory. If you decide to use it, you must follow up and wipe it off.
I prefer the Metal Paste Cleaner, MAAS, a two ounce tube for $5.00 at Walmart, True Vaule or Ace.
If you buy it , use it according to procedure and don’t like it, I will refund your $5.00 bucks

6

Goo Gone is used by the Centerline track cleaners. Use a paper towel, cut to the width of your track. A wet set followed by a dry set is the best way to use it. Also, use it to clean all the wheels. Same idea, a wet sponge with a dry one to get all the gunk out.

7

I’ve had great results with GOO GONE. I first pour it onto a small scrap piece of homasote and rub down the rails, then use rubbing alcohol to clean off the residue.

8

Thanks for the feedback, however the train guy at one of my local hobby shops told me not to use Isopropyl alcohol / rubbing alcohol b/c it leaves a residue on the rails.

Personally, I think it wouldn’t b/c it evaporates so quickly.

gp_haro

9

I too have used the alcohol. The 99% one is the cleaner they use over at the Chicago MSI.
in their track cleaning car.

10

That’s why I use denatured alcohol. [8D]

11

Denatured would be more likely to leave a residue than isopropyl in the form of the various denaturents used. Some lower grade rubbing alcohols may have oil in them, though, so that’s something to watch for.

12

I use GooGone on a pad on my track cleaning car. I push it around the layout with
one of my locos. Does a good job.
Phil

13

I’ve got to agree with Bob H. Goo Gone, while a terrific solvent, definitely leaves a residual film on the track that is the start of the next mess. Isopropyl alcohol will not leave a film as it evaporates, but unless you wipe the railhead clean while the IPA is still there, you haven’t removed the junk from the railhead. I’m in a club where we are going to try using the metal polish on the railheads. I haven’t found the MAAS or the Flitz yet, but we plan to use it until it proves it doesn’t work. I suspect it will work just fine.