Relaying track

[38thfoot]

as per the title I will shortly be relaying a selection of track that was lifted in spring for building work/maintainance.

What do I need to do for best running (not including jumper cables), I am assuming that a stiff brushing of the fishplates to remove gunk and corrosion and similar with the track ends will be required. I previously used the lgb conductive grease, will ALL of this need removing and replacing?

What to use when cleaning fishplates, will a stiff wire brush be best or will that scratch the surface and open up the brass for more corrosion?

The track surface will then get a good scrub round with the lgb track pad?

Cheers in advance

38

 

[Rhinochugger]

A very mild acid such as white vinegar will help - wipe off all the old grease, clean with your chosen poison (some use coke) and then start afresh with nice clean track ends and fishplates

 

[Madman]

When I ran track power, jumper cables soldered across each rail joint were the final solution for me.

 

[Frank Gallagher]

Tighten the fishplate with plyers, quick squirt of WD40 to remove any carp and some copperslip in the fishplate should suffice.

 

[stockers]

wipe clean, soak in Coke and re use the LGB grease - that's my suggestion.

 

[KeithT]

I cleaned up the rail joiners and track ends with a small diamond file then used LGB conductivity grease and Coppaslip.
You need clean metal to allow the grease to be effective, the grease will prevent corrosion.