i am new to 3 rail track. i have used silver polish,(MAAS) with great sucess on n scale track. Does it work on 3 rail systems as well.
With the exception of Atlas track, most 3 rail track is made of steel. I’ve never tried that silver polish. Check the label, but I would lean toward the answer no, because of the type of metal.
How much track do you have, and how dirty is it? Scotchbrite pads are mildly abrasive, and give pretty good results. There are a lot of different methods.
You can also try a produce called goo-be-gone or it my be called goo-gone.
MAAS is an excellent polisher. I have used it in the past on my O gauge track, but for speed cleaning I use Goo Gone. MAAS really puts out the shine, and leaves a nice protective coat.
Both MAAS and Goo-Gone leave behind a residue which is not desireable in 3 rail AC.
I use denatured alcohol. Good solvent power & dries fast and clean.
Can be applied with a rag or a track cleaner car.
However! If the track is rusted and in bad shape you may be better off buying new.
Yes, MAAS goes leave behind a residue if you don’t completely remove all of the compound, and it will cause problems. I haven’t had any problems with it, though. Just be careful. So many different ideas, just try them, see what you like. I haven’t tried denatured alcohol, but I will now to see if I like it. The track I use is Lionel tubular, so I don’t have any experiance with other types of track.
I use goo-gone on an extra fine 3M pad followed up by an old t-shirt to remove the residue. Denatured alcohol works good, but goo-gone smells better.
Matt
I use 409 BUT JUST FOR TRACK! last time I used it to clean some postwar cars I almost ruined them!.
I use the Trackman 2000 it is a sort of scotch brite pad that will last longer then scotch brite and it is pulled or pushed with your locomotive. You just sit back and watch as your train goes around. I use it about once every two weeks or so does a good job. They are a little pricey, mine for O-gauge was About $92.00. Pads are about $3.00 and they last a long time. If you want to check it out go to http://www.trackman2000.com/tellmemore.html
Laz 57
I use Goo-Gone, which is an excellent solvent, followed by either rubbing or 91% isopropyl alcohol to remove the goo-gone residue. I also use a scotchbrite, and, when it’s really, really bad, 120 grit sandpaper in my Dremel tool.