Do others clean track rubbers from time to time or merely replace them ?
Mine is very black and I guess I'm just re-applying grime to the track as I "clean" it.

I don't use track rubbers  . They scratch the rail tops and just create a lovely home for dirt. I clean my track with just a soft cloth and IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol). If it gets really tarnished I use silver polish wadding followed by a good clean with IPA.

I'm with Trevor on that one. Used with some care, IPA is the best cleaner.

Dave G

I think along different lines to others, IMO if Peco make the track and also the Track Rubber there is no problems using a Track Rubber.

I do think they have a limited life though and should be replaced when they get really dirty.

I believe there are enough chemicals floating around in todays society without using them to clean my track.

To each their own.

On previous layouts, I used to wash with regular dishwashing liquid and rub the surface. The black is caused by oxidised copper. (In the past I have also rubbed it against concrete - but probably wouldnt recommend this in the event it picks up small particles and/or dirt)

Nothing more contentious than track rubbers. I dont use them on my current layout (I now use Woodland Scenics Rail Tracker) but have mates that have used them extensively in the past with no real problems (so long as you vacuum afterwards).

IPA and clean rag also works really well.

Once you have your track clean I have found these Gaugemaster track pads very good at keeping them clean.
I posted about them here:

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=7687.msg85644#msg85644

cheers John.

Rough side of weetabix packet cardboard for me still - with a spot of IPA if its really gunky. Cheaper than track rubbers and a bit less abrasive.

Card is good as Alan says.  Paper is also useful (particularly for cleaning between point blades). IPA if necessary.

Definitely not track rubbers!

There are various types of track 'rubbers' - some good, some bad;

* The soft type like Peco crumble and deposit bits on the track that can get in mechanisims
* The hard gritty type can scratch as some have mentioned
* The hard smooth type are okay but a piece of card (or even the soft side of hardboard) is just as effective.

So yer makes yer choice and . . . . often it's a matter of what's to hand - like a finger (although it wipes off dirt quite well it deposits skin oil).

H.

So........it's hands up from me.
I've always thought that track rubbers (especially as mine are sold by Peco for Peco track) were the ideal thing for cleaning track.
My track wasn't bad at all but just had a cursory quick clean with pieces of card. I'm amazed at the grime collected and the improvement to what was already good running.
With a thorough cleaning tomorrow when I have more time (perhaps with a little IPA as well), I hope I can expect good things.
It does make me wonder if the poor running which is often attributed to locomotives is more likely to be down to the track rather than the loco.
Thanks to all those who made the suggestion.
By the way - where do I buy IPA??

Quote from: port perran on November 12, 2012, 08:34:19 PM

It does make me wonder if the poor running which is often attributed to locomotives is more likely to be down to the track rather than the loco.

Yep, it's very often the case, and not just dirty track, but badly laid (kinks, gaps, dodgy joints, poor electrical connections, non smooth curves, gauge restrictions, damage, etc) track as well as ridiculously optimistic inclines, insulfrog points, . . . . . . 

H.

Quote from: port perran on November 12, 2012, 08:34:19 PM
So........it's hands up from me.
I've always thought that track rubbers (especially as mine are sold by Peco for Peco track) were the ideal thing for cleaning track.
My track wasn't bad at all but just had a cursory quick clean with pieces of card. I'm amazed at the grime collected and the improvement to what was already good running.
With a thorough cleaning tomorrow when I have more time (perhaps with a little IPA as well), I hope I can expect good things.
It does make me wonder if the poor running which is often attributed to locomotives is more likely to be down to the track rather than the loco.
Thanks to all those who made the suggestion.
By the way - where do I buy IPA??

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/500ml-IPA-Isopropyl-Alcohol-99-pure-FREE-POSTAGE-ISOPROPANOL-/271019176623?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f1a0072af

Thanks for that Malc.
A bottle is on its way to me now.
And there was I thinking I had to go to the Off-License for it !!!! (Or is that just showing my age ??)

There are cheaper suppliers than that. http://www.candccentral.co.uk/isopropyl-alcohol-ipa-99.9-pure-500ml-gps-1007-d.html

Nice one, Trevor. Trouble is by the time you add their postage costs of £3.46 it actually works out more expensive