Gleam
You will need:
1. 600 grit sandpaper or a briteboy. I used a bb.
2. Mag wheel polish. I used Blue Magic, found at the auto parts store.
3. Some small pieces of cork roadbed.
4. A stainless steel washer big enough to span both rails. The one I used was rounded on one side.
Steps:
1. Clean the rail with a Brite boy or simular.
2. Slide the washer over the rails, with a little pressure to close up the gaps and nicks. You'll feel the washer slide easier when you are close to being done.This is the burnishing part.
3. Put a very little bit of polish on the piece of cork. I just smear a bit on with my finger.
4. Slide the cork/polish along the rails, reapply as needed to the cork. I did about 6-8' at a time.You will feel less resistance when done.This is the polishing part.
5. Let that dry/ haze up as you would when polishing your car.
6. Wipe residue up with a clean t-shirt or terry cloth towel scrap.
7. You can run a dry piece of cork along the rails here . Not really needed. I didn't.
8. Enjoy running trains and NEVER having to clean track again.
I did the GLEAM method in '07. With the exception of some scenery work that slopped over, I HAVE NOT had to clean my track since then. Semi finished basement, well over 500' of track, northern Wisconsin with all the temp fluctuations that occur. Central heat, no AC. I can go downstairs after a month, turn on the Digitrax system, and run trains. No wiping,etc. If I didn't experience this, I would not believe it, either. I sold my Centerline to a forum member.
Hope that helps.
Terry in NW Wisconsin
