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Track Oxidization Problems
Here’s a good question from Joel on track oxidization. If you can help him please use the green comments link below this posting. Also share this with your friends on Twitter and Facebook. See buttons below.
“I live in South Florida and have a tough time keeping the nickel track from oxidizing. I have an N scale layout with a lot of track, yet before each operating session I have to spend a tremendous amount of time cleaning track. And, with some of the tight spaces on a well detailed N scale layout, that can mean damage. I actually run two track cleaning cars but that’s only good once the oxidaion is removed. Anybody use a good technique to prevent or reduce oxidizing?”
3 Responses to Track Oxidization Problems
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Joel,
I have read that the normal oxidation that occurs on nickel silver track is actually a better electrical conductor than ‘clean’ track. You CAN overdo track cleaning since the track cleaning chemicals can build up on the wheels of your rolling stock and, being a kind of solvent, it just spreads the dissolved crud around.
I have heard that the best way to keep your track clean is to run your trains frequently. What could be better than that? ‘Idle’ track collects dust, cat hair and anything else that floats by so keep those wheels a turning.
Hope this helps,
Geof from the US
John says –
I have never experienced this in rainy humid England but of course Florida is very hot and humid. May I suggest http://www.drierite.com
They sell a desiccant which dries the air of the room in which you have your railway. Nothing like tackling the ROOT cause of the problem. But you may find that this causes your eyes to smart and gives you a dry mouth, nose and throat. So keep a glass of water not too far away and keep drinking! On no account drink alcohol of any kind. Alcohol is itself a desiccant and will make you feel more dried up than ever!!!!
Metal wheelsets and regular running are the best way to keep track clean. Brass rail is actually better and was used widely in HO because the oxidation is conductive whereas nickle silver is not.
Once I clean my rails (steel and nickle on my HO layout, nickle on my N), I place a small drop of Wahl Hair Clipper oil on each rail about every 6 feet—a little goes a very long way, too much and you’ll create a dust attractor. My rails get cleaned once or twice a year.