Need help on how to clean track that is modeled with overgrown weeds, buried in the ballast/dirt, without messing up the scenery. I’ve seen and read all types of stuff on cleaning well groomed track, but never anything on poorly groomed track… any ideas?
Thanks
Robert
You might run a Q tip dipped in Rail Zip (or similar product) along the top of each rail.
Enjoy
Paul
You can also use denatured alcohol on the Q-tip and wipe the railhead carefully as not to damage the details. Work it perpendicular to the track.
Go to your local hobby/hardware store and go to the DREMEL TOOL department. get you some of those little approx. 1" x 1/4" round felt polishing discs (white). Take one of them and glue (hot glue or silicone rtv) it flatwise to one of those pivoting-head disposable razors. You will find that it is just wide enough to cover both rails (HO). Soak it in Goo-Gone and drag it along your railheads. The razor handle is usually long enough to get around your scenery, and the pivoting head keeps it flat on the rails. When it gets dirty, soak it again with cleaner and “blot” it on a paper towel until clean. If you need a longer handle (as I did) attach a wooden dowel to the razor handle, and cut to desired length to reach all of your “nooks & Crannys”. I’ve even used the smaller Dremel pads (about 3/8" across) and used TWO on a razor head, side-by-side. That way, you have a wider contact area. Try it, you’ll like it! Hurray for “high-tec”!!
My buddy just got a Track cleaning Caboose. It has a pad that wipes the track & picks up dirt & stuff. I think it had a tank on the inside of the body for fluid. The Pad is between the two wheels