I use it to clean my tracks too..

I don't mean to insult anyones intelligence, but I think I saw some earlier posts about cleaning motors. I simply take the motor apart, and in the case of a diesel or most electrics, I put it in a plastic bowl. I put some lighter fluid in and tilt the bowl and rock it back and forth. Most steam require an aluminum tray of fitting size. I wash the motor covers at the same time.
Eric

Thanks sudibarba USA,I was wondering what would replace some products we used to by in Australia,such as"Shellite","Dry Cleaning Fluid" etc. I found your suggestion whilst looking through the HO Site. Thanks from Oxrailman OwenRobinson

This type of dry cleaning solution is very close to what I use for cleaning automotive parts called "brake clean" designed for removing grease and dirt from brake parts, but depending on the blend it can be harmful to plastic and paint.
There are two types of brake clears on the market in the US, the environmentally friendly (green can) one destroys plastic on contact. So I use the less enviro friendly red can.

I clean my track with electrical contact cleaner spray but I do spray just a little Brake cleaner on a rag and clean just the top of rail in areas where I have a grade in the track and it cuts all the grease so wheels will not slip.

don't use acetone on K or C tracks.

I think the only problem with WD is the potential for the film to collect fine dust. as long as its a thin film, it should be OK. I use it on the cast iron tops of my woodworking equipment, like table saws and jointer. I wipe off most excess and don't see too much dust accumulation - and my woodshop is a dusty place, as I don't have a very powerful dust collector yet.
I also use a product called Boeshield - I apply it a couple times a year does a vey good job at preventing rust in the winter. It might be useful for protecting your tracks against oxidation. It was formulated by some people at Boeing many years ago, and makes a very thin protective layer to seal the metal, and slow oxidation (they originally did this on aluminum). It does make the surface slick - its probably some sort of micro-cystalline wax or carnuba, so maybe it would negatively affect traction. I don't know/think if the film would be thick enough to affect conductivity.

I have not confirmed this, but I believe lighter fluid is napha. This can be bought in gallon cans at the hardware store far cheaper than the Ronson lighter fluid cans.
Eric

I got some very dirty second hand C-track and cleaned them the same way I do my dishes ... with dish washing detergent. Dried most of the water off in a towel and left them 10 min in the sun to airdry. Worked perfectly ... Now I wonder if they could survive similar treatment in a dishwashing machine

Any of the previously mentioned solvents work well on a faulty CS1 if the a set of matches are included.[}:)]

Which company would be crazy enough to insure it?