Track & Wheel Cleaning for Model Railways: The Science Behind It

Join us as we discuss one of the commonest issues facing model railway operators - dirty track and wheels. In collaboration with Tony from SteamsoundsAU, we share our solution for keeping your trains running smoothly with a simple change of product. Learn about the science behind track and wheel cleaning and how to greatly reduce your effort.

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Model Rail Hobbyist article:
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Tony's video    • Track cleaning on your model railway ...  

Ronsonol - Lighter fluid
Keep out of the reach of children. Read and follow manufacturer's recommendations.

WD40 Contact Cleaner
H319-Causes serious eye irritation. H315-Causes skin irritation. H336-May cause drowsiness or dizziness.

The black gunk we find on our tracks and wheels is not just dust and skin flakes - it’s also caused by an electrochemical reaction. Microscopic arcing occurs when our locomotives run, causing molecules of metal alloys to be exploded off the wheels and rails. These molecules oxidize (like rust) and form a fine powder that causes more arcing and more powder. This black crud breaks pickup and requires cleaning.

But did you know that the cleaner you might be using could actually be making things worse? Polar solvents like IPA and water actually encourage micro arcing, meaning your track and wheels need cleaning more often. However, non-polar solvents like WD40 Contact Cleaner protect the metal surfaces from forming new oxides by inhibiting micro arcing

By far the simplest is WD40 Contact Cleaner, this product from the well-known company is nothing like its WD40! WD40 Contact Cleaner is mostly Heptane. It does come in a spray can which makes application a little difficult but it’s now my cleaner of choice for wheels and rails.
One thing to note, do not apply it to or allow traction tyres to run through it when wet!
That said it fully evaporates very fast so the chances of contact are minimal.
Another common non-polar solvent is Lighter fuel, yes anyone who is still using this has done the right thing, it’s even more aggressive with traction tyres but again dries fast after application.
The trick with both these is to only use a small amount and don’t allow it to get on other materials.
WD40 Contact Cleaner does claim to be plastics safe.
Right that is the science but what about a practical demonstration I hear you ask.
Of course, I’d be delighted.


After around 50 mins I examined the rails, some residue was apparent.
But it was not until I used my microscope on the rails that the truth was there to be seen.
Firstly we checked out a few inches of the outer circuit, nothing much to be seen, but when I swapped over to the inner circuit, almost immediately you could see small black spots on the rail head where micro-arcing had occurred and oxides built up.




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#TrackCleaning
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#SteamsoundsAU