How To Clean Model Railway Track

Keeping your model railway track clean is essential for the smooth running of locomotives on your layout. Done regularly as part of layout maintenance, track cleaning should ensure many hours of enjoyment from trouble-free running sessions. Dirty model railway track is probably the most common fault with a layout, causing poor running with trains randomly stopping. Getting into the habit of cleaning the track regularly is no bad thing, and in this post, we'll look at a few ways of keeping things running smoothly.

 Deluxe Materials Track Magic Cleaner

Having tested various products over the years, Deluxe Materials Track Magic is our personal favourite for track cleaning duties. We've used it on our own personal layouts and our demonstration layouts & highly recommend it. 

It's an easy-to-use fluid-based track cleaner which comes with a selection of tools and applicators to get very effective results in little to no time at all.

Key Features of Track Magic

• Suitable for use with all scales.
• Maximizes conductivity & reliability.
• Works in low-power/ confined space situations.
• Revives & protects old electric contacts & improves new ones.
• Safe on plastic, foam, acrylic & enamel paint.
• Is ideal for both digital and analogue control systems.

How do I use it & how do I know if my track needs cleaning?

Look for dirty black marks & dirt deposits on the rail tops, locos/rolling stock wheels. Or run a finger along the rail top, if you can see a black line left on your finger then the track is dirty. Highlighted below is typical track dirt. If you've got a dirty finger, crack open the Track Magic!

Order Track Magic Online Here…

Track Magic is really easy to use. Using the pipette, decant the fluid into the beaker. Dip the sponge-tipped applicator into the fluid & allow it to soak up some of the cleaning fluid.

Place the sponge applicator on the track, use an even downward pressure & slowly pull the applicator along the track cleaning the dirty railheads. The railhead will immediately start looking cleaner. Stubborn sections may need a second pass.

To the right of the orange lines is the cleaned track. Notice the colour of the railhead looks slightly darker to the left of the orange lines that's the dirty track. After cleaning, if you have any fluid left in the beaker, DON'T pour it back into the bottle. Dispose of the remaining dirty fluid in a safe responsible way. If you put it back into the bottle, you'll contaminate the rest of the fluid.

Point work

The microtip brush is great for pointwork. Use on the ends of the point switch rails. Also on the small contact plate highlighted below. 

What about the areas that are hard to get at such as in tunnel sections?

Axle Hung cleaning pads are just the job for this. Apply a little Track Magic to the cleaning pad & then run them around the layout to clean the track. The photo below shows these cleaning pads after a cleaning running session. They can be removed & cleaned with warm soapy water for reuse which is really handy.

Otherwise, for those that fancy a more high-tech solution, a track-cleaning wagon with a small tank for cleaning fluid, which applies it onto the railhead. 

Other popular track-cleaning methods

• Isopropyl alcohol - Don't confuse this with rubbing alcohol which contains oils & fragrances which will cause traction issues
• Track Rubber - These are really simple to use and good for shifting really stubborn dirt. Some can be quite abrasive & can cause pitting on the railhead so use them with care.
• Goo Gone Fluid - Good for after-use with a track rubber
• Graphite Pencil - Applied lightly to the rail head & sides
• Track Cleaning wagons - Various types available. Ones with built-in tanks are great for track-cleaning fluid application but are considerably costly. Some are available with interchangeable cleaning/polishing heads & even a vacuum. 

The simplest of track cleaners - Peco track rubber on the left & Hornby track rubber on the right

The Dapol Track cleaning wagon with the vacuum head attachment fitted is great for removing dust & debris from the track. And also finding those lost little bits that have fallen off locos & rolling stock onto the track.

What NOT To Do!

• Don't be tempted to use WD40. Although it'll clean the track it'll also lubricate it so your locos will lose traction and they're slipping and sliding all over the place.
• The same goes for Rubbing Alchohol
• Don't be tempted to use emery paper either

We hope you find this guide useful. If you have any questions or comments regarding track cleaning, please post them in the comments below.

Keep on shuntin!