[Georges Payne]

Hello all,

I have been a lurker for a couple weeks now, after looking all over the internet, and this forum seems to be the best I could find in terms of courtesy and knowledge. I bought a SCX digital system with pitbox, brand new, and some used tracks on ebay. My problem is that there is some kind of black corrosion on the power strips, a little on the new pieces, and a lot more on the older used tracks from ebay. Because of that, the braids on all my cars get dirty real quick, and hard to clean. The cars run erratically because of that bad contact with the track.

I did a lot of reading but did not really find an anwer to my questions so here they are:

How to best remove that corrosion without damaging the original surface of the power strips? I tried 3M pads, and 600 grit sandpaper, but I am afraid to do more damage than good.

What is the best way to protect the tracks from corrosion?

Out of the factory, is there a plating (such as nickel for example) on the power strips?

Did anybody try a brush on type electroplating on power strips to prevent corrosion?

What's the best way to clean the braids?

Any help is appreciated,

Regards
Georges

 

[stoner]

They do a fine grit impegnated rubber block, that train enthusiasts use to keep their rails in good condition. It works a treat on heavilly tarnished track. When they look nice and shiney, the majority on this forum use INOX 3 and a little on the braids keep them in good condition. John

 

[Georges Payne]

Thanks for the answer John. I'll look for that rubber block on my next trip to the LHS. This afternoon I tried polishing the worst strips using a Dremel and a felt bit and some polishing paste. It worked wonderfully. Now the new track sections look old!

 

[stoner]

Glad to be of help. The rubber block will do it 20 times faster and still leave you with a great finish. john

 

[SlotCarRental_com]

I prefer to not scrub/scratch the rails... as scratched surfaces give more surface area for rusting and less for power conduction.

INOX works best to clean them... and even better to prevent corrosion.

 

[GeraldL]

The track cleaning erasers are made by PECO. I haven't tried it on a slot track but for model railway work I have used a Gaugemaster electronic cleaner, this puts down a high voltage when it detects a dirty piece of track, attention don't use it with digital! GeraldL.

 

[stoner]

forgot , get a pack or 3 toothbrush size brushes from the £1 shop. the stainless and brass one are ideal for cleaing dirty pickup braids. john

 

[Abarth Mike]

Tabernac! George,

ATF works just as good as anything for preventing corrosion or removing grime. It contains detergents and stuff. Wipe it on the rails leave for a while or even overnight then polish it off.

Wire brush in the dremel works good for braids just make sure the direction is correct. Towards the rear. Or lighter fluid or Coleman Fuel on a Q-tip. I usually bend the braids straight, put them on some tissue and squirt lighter fluid through them onto the tissue.

We have been toying with the DIY brush chrome plating but can find a unit out here!