Cleaning heavily tarnished track

[AndyH]

Hey, I have some old 00 gauge, mix of steal and nickel. Could I literally soak it all together in a large container with a couple bottles of vinegar for a day or so?
Us white vinegar best or normal food vinegar?
Thanks Andy

[sandy]

Think this was covered well earlier in the year.
My asswer would be, yes you could soak it all in vinigar and water mix for day or so depending how tarnished or rusted it is but I would go and invest in some new or good second hand Peco Stremline (nickle silver) or set track and save your selfe a lot of future trouble. It is what it is. Old damaged track, and the most importent thing with any model railway is the track. If the track is not good condition and well laid then you shall have nothing but trouble and probably end up taking it all up and starting again.

[Walkingthedog]

Just get rid of it you will be wasting your time.

[AndyH]

Well I soaked it all.in watered down vinegar scrubbed it with toothbrush and dried it on a lint cloth. Most of it has come up sparkling, I'm quite happy and pleased with it.

[Walkingthedog]

Fair enough but as it was rusty it will come back as the surface coat has been removed, and you will be continually cleaning it.

You can remove the tarnish and rust from steel track as you have proved but it will cause you problems.

[Steve M]

The rail joiners will still be dirty though. I see tears before bedtime.

[AndyH]

Hi all.having deep cleaned all track in vinegar is there anything I should put on the rails as a finishing coat ?
I saw some kind of lubricant or something but wasn't sure if it's worth it or not?
If so, which one and how often do you reapply it ?
Thanks Andy

Moderators Note: Your posts have been merged as they are about the same topic. No need for a new topic

[Walkingthedog]

Best to keep the track clean, dry and grease free in my opinion.