Windex for cleaning track, Thank you MR

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Reading an article in this months MR about using Windex to clean paint off the top of freshley weathered rails.Tried it and works pretty darn good. While getting ready for an open house a friend was helping me clean track and we were chatting about it. Heck lets give it a try, took a third of the time and we were finished. Just using and old thin strip of pillow case material with windex on one finger, I had a section of very grubby track (hair spray from a week or so), was quick, was clean and most importent, was done. Ya might give it a try…So thank You MR…I love it…John

2

I wonder how it would work in a CMX Clean Machine ?

3

John,

Thanks for the kind words. I use Windex in several ways when I paint with acrylics: to clean the tops of the rails after I’ve painted track, to clean my brushes and airbrush, and even to remove weathering from a locomotive or piece of rolling stock if I don’t like how it looks. I’ve never had it harm factory paint, but will remove many aftermarket acrylics (it will remove Tamiya acrylics even days after spraying), which can be useful. I recommend rinsing your airbrush or brush with water after using Windex as a cleaner, though, so that you don’t leave any residue behind.

Thanks for reading MR,

Terry

4

You aren’t Greek are you? (Reference is from My Big Fat Greek Wedding)

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Windex works well. But i’ve found that using a plain ol’ “bright boy” track cleaner across the rails right after painting works well too. One less step in cleaning the track. I can break out the windex, rag, and wipe off the rails then go over it with a bright boy track cleaner anyway or just go over it with the bright boy track cleaner resulting in the same results…chuck

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So far, this topic is on cleaning paint off the rails. What about everyday cleaning EDIT: of rails using Windex?

7

With a large layout, anything to do with track cleaning interests me. I can’t wait to give this one a try.

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Another use for Windex ,if you get the urge to go around without your clothes on. Drink a half ounce of Windex , it will keep you from streaking.

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I use 2 track cleaning cars on the same train, just to be sure on the switches I used a ‘bright boy’ on the switches that are known to cause some problematic studering.

10

Wasn’t that from some comedian/magician guy? I remember he had a bottle of “windex” that he kept drinking out of during the whole show…

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“The Amazing Jonathan”. That guy is/was(?) a trip!

Mick Enright

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The joke about streaking was just sent to me by a freind,Guess I’ll just have to look up the amazing jonathon on you tube. My apologies to the originator of this thread.

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MRterry…Do you dilute the windex for cleaning an air brush? Thanks again for the tips, will use it for my paint brushes, as I lose a few from not cleaning properly…It sure cleans the track great, Thanks…again…John

15

ammonia-based cleaners are harsh cleaners on brass

I think its bad for plastic too

bright boy will scratch and catch more dirt

use windex to clean all the glass objects in the room

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Budliner…Sorry, perhaps I did not make myself clear. I wrap a thin rag (old thin pillow case strip) around my index finger the apply or spray a few squirts on the tip of my finger (rag) and wipe one rail at a time, never touching plastic ties. Maybe a plastic guide rail but the damp windex isnt going to hurt anything. …John