No,it won’t hurt the track. However, it will leave the metal ‘dry’.
A small amount of some type of THIN lubrication works wonders. CRC 2-26 works the best, in my opinion. Apply it by finger to a couple inches of track and let the trains carry it around to the rest of the layout.
Isopropyl Alcohol is perfect for rail and wheel cleaning. It’s probably one of the best areas in the hobby where you can save the most money. I personally never saw the point in purchasing the “track cleaning solutions”. I’ve never tried them so I’m not knocking them, I just like the fact that I can pay way less for something that can last me way longer and it’s always available SOMEWHERE at multiple locations other than just a specialty store that may or may not be on your way home but closes at the same time most folks get off of work, lol.
I could go on, but as you can see, the benefits of isopropyl alcohol over the alternative are endless. Oh and as everyone else has stated, not only does it work but it causes no harm or damage to your equipment (JUST BE NEAT WITH IT, ESPECIALLY the 91% as you will run the risk of damaging the paint on your models.).
You should be asking what’s the most effiencent way to clean your rails with it [:)]. I personally use the CMX track cleaning car. It’s worth the investment and if you shop around you can find a good deal on it.
That is all I have used for many years. Just make sure, no additives in it.
Rich
The one area where alcohol doesn’t always work in after ballasting track. For whateever reason, the matte medium solution I use is pretty much impervious to it. That’s when I bring out the bright boy eraser.