Table out of storage

[TerrapinStation]

Hello fellow train fans.

I need some advice on how to bring back to life a setup that has been in storage for several years, I looked through old posts and looks like an eraser and mineral spirits to clean the tracks, some vacuming and regluing are in order. Any other steps you might recommend? I attached a couple pictures hopefully, if not it is about 10 years old and is 8'x4' with 4 electric switches, one loop around the outside and a loop into the mountain returning on a trestle.

 

[CCT70]

I'd simply use a couple of pieces of scrap cork roadbed to wipe down the rails real good. I don't like using an eraser because it leaves eraser leavin's all over your ties and scenery. Whatever you decide though, DO NOT use sand paper. That just makes it worse by scratching grooves into your rails that attracts dirt and makes it worse.

 

[TerrapinStation]

I'd simply use a couple of pieces of scrap cork roadbed to wipe down the rails real good. I don't like using an eraser because it leaves eraser leavin's all over your ties and scenery. Whatever you decide though, DO NOT use sand paper. That just makes it worse by scratching grooves into your rails that attracts dirt and makes it worse.

Thanks for the tip (I think I will get a bottle of wine and start my cleaning!) :thumb:

 

[MasonJar]

I would not use mineral spirits for cleaning - try alcohol first. You might want to go as far as a metal polish to remove the oxide on the rail. I agree that you should not use anything abrasive...

Also pay attention to the switches and make sure they function properly. You may need to clean them up, make sure nothing is causing them to stick, that the wiring is ok.

Looks like a great way to get back into the hobby.

Welcome to The Gauge!

Andrew

 

[KCS]

So far the best thing that a lot of us modelers have found good for track and wheels is "Goo Gone" Great stuff! Smell's like orange's too! You can get it at your local hardware store.

 

[shaygetz]

Welcome to The Gauge

Looks like you are in good hands so I will leave you to your bottle of vino.

 

[TerrapinStation]

Well took all the good advice, did not take too long and found all the trees in the mountain. It is up a running like a champ but the switches need some re-wiring. I'll poke around in the other threads to see what others are doing.

Post at ya later!

 

[Ralph]

That's great! Glad to hear things are working OK.
Your handle is a reference to an EL&P album, right? Or is it Grateful Dead?
Ralph

 

[jasbourre]

"Goo Gone"

Carefull with this stuff, sure it works great on the track, but do not spill on the layout, it will eat away at the foam, I wich I hade a pic to show the damage. :cry:

 

[santafewillie]

Grateful Dead

 

[TerrapinStation]

Grateful Dead

yes something from my childhood as I work with trains with my kid. they did have several train songs so they were train fans too.