Still Using a Bright Boy? Better Watch This Video! (363) 

Using ANY abrasive to clean soft metal is a stupid, stupid idea. The most abrasive thing I would EVER use on my track is a cotton sock. Dah.

I just use 1000 grit sandpaper, and wipe with a micro-fiber towel. I have a microscope similar to what you are using, and it doesn't seem to damage the rails. Since I don't allow plastic wheels on my track at any time, it's rare that I have to clean the indoor layout at all. The outdoor layout is a bit different, but that's exposed to the elements.

I just use small blocks of wood from a 1/2 furring strip, probably pine, i think. I have several of them and just rub them along the rail head to polish the rail. When the blocks are dirty, I just sand them clean and use them again. I also vacuum every once in a while, too. I threw out all my bright boy abrasives years ago and don't use any oils or cleaners. This keeps my track dry and prevent it from acting like a dust magnet. I've been doing it this way for years and don't experience any of the dead spots or stalling I used to have when I would use any of the other "fads" that seem to make the rounds every now and then.

Yeah, this is not available in the US. Those that advertise on EBay charge 38 bucks for shipping.

I bought a product called 'Sandflex' about four years ago and have been using it (fine grit) as a track cleaner ever since. Made in Germany. May be the same product. Usually sold in a three-pack with a medium and coarse grit included. I only use the fine for rail cleaning.

I believe that DCC Concepts recommends a circular motion when cleaning track, probably why the block is larger than other types. Not sure what difference the difference cleaning motions would have, but it would be interesting to hear your take on a trial between the two. Thank you.

I use pink erasers

Charlie Bishop just posted that Richard Brighton from DCC Concepts had advised him that the intended use would be a light circular, rather than a linear 'scrubbing', motion.

I have used a stainless steel washer to burnish the rails, then a wipe over with Inox.

Never seen someone with so much southern railroad equipment

I have been using ink erasers, and they seem to be working nicely

Cost = $15+ Freight = $31+...... I'll use IPA! Thanks for the fine video! Keep 'em coming!

Good to see you back Larry. I hope you are doing well.

I've never used abrasives to clean my nickel track, only paper towel and 99% alcohol. I have to do it fairly often but seems to do a very good job of keeping my DCC locomotives running smoothly.

Thanks Larry, that does seem to be a better option than the traditional brite boy - as you mentioned, the round nature of the abrasive material used is more likely to burnish than scratch the rail...

I haven't used any sort of abrasive in decades. I still have my Bright Boy from the '70s. I'm a chemical wipe guy.

Thank you for the video, I am on the Iron Planet wait list for this product.

i bought 2 bright boys back in the 1970's, one is still mint and the other has reduced 60% but still exists and is used...few products last 50+ years and Bright Boy is/was the best ever track eraser

Like you, Larry, I use a "bright boy" as a last measure. Recently, I purchased from Walthers their Cratex Abrasive Block Extra Fine (PN 49-522). Since I am having to do the initial post-ballasting cleaning, removing the glue, etc., from the rails, the more aggressive bright boy is almost mandatory. However, I follow that with the Cratex block and can actually feel the latter slide across the rails as it tends to polish the surface ..... it surely has made a difference in rail smoothness.

Great useful info Larry 😊