Is there any kind of protective coating you can put on steel track to keep it from rusting after the tin plating is worn off? Everything I can think of to protect the track (polyurethane, lacquer, etc.) would also prevent current from flowing to the locomotive’s wheels. [:(]
WD-40 is actually a water displacement formula not a lubricant (WD-40). Applied reasonably, it does not affect electrical conductivity. I use it frequently for the wiring plugs and receptacles on boats and RVs to prevent corrosion. It doesn’t last forever - Practical Sailor did some tests a few years back with steel wool in a salt water atmosphere - but it actually did better than the competition at preventing rust. The humidity and salt levels of the atmospere will determine how long the WD-40 will prevent rust. To keep rail rust free without trains running, I would expect reapplication every couple of months in areas where rust is a problem.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
Have you thought of using stainless steel track? It don’t rust as fast, if does rust, as tin plated track.
Lee Fritz
There are some preventive measures you can take, such as installing a de-humidifier (expensive) or using cartons of Damp Rid in your layout area (cheaper, but less effective). The problem with WD-40 or Wahl’s Clipper Oil, etc. is they attract hair, dirt, etc, that can gum up your engine - not a good thing. Also not too good for traction.
You might be able to use a zinc galvanizing paint (paint with zinc in it).
Daniel Lang