56038 Posted June 12, 2018 Share Posted June 12, 2018 Having a problem this year with tree sap dripping from leaves onto my outdoor track causing very sticky rails, which despite a lot of cleaning, soon spreads to loco & rolling stock wheels. Cutting down the trees not an option! However.... have discovered wonderful Goo Gone (seems cheapest on eBay) - a small amount on a reasonable quality plastic scourer (type used for non stick pans) and its gone leaving a nice smell of oranges! Unfortunately back the next day, but what’s a bit of daily maintenance.... Hope this is useful, any other tips would be good to hear. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spitfire2865 Posted June 12, 2018 Share Posted June 12, 2018 Im convinced Goo-Gone is absolute magic. Ive used it to take off grime so caked on youd need a razor to clean off. But for your specific issue, would possibly a removable canopy built over the support base be of use? Essentially a slanted roof with a support beam each side, say every foot or so? Obviously only in the problem areas as Im sure your entire line isnt being dripped on. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted June 12, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 12, 2018 Is it sap or actually sugar from aphids? The ants can't collect it all and a lot falls on the ground. If it's sugar it will wash off with water on a cloth rubbed over the rails. My car is parked under a tree and gets covered in it but a bucket and sponge cleans it easily. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
56038 Posted June 12, 2018 Author Share Posted June 12, 2018 Thanks for these useful responses - I’m now worried my trees are aphid infested!! (but that’s for a gardening forum....) I did use water to begin with, thoughts being that it’s been an unusually dry summer in East Scotland and the normal summer rainfall hadn’t given my track its regular wash! - but not a great success.... A cover; ahem.... obviously should have thought of that since it’s about 7 metres of track affected. Thanks for that useful suggestion, going to cut some plastic sheeting ASAP. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted June 12, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 12, 2018 Oak seems to be the worst round here with aphids both at mine and in the past at my parents it was oak trees that were the source. The parents car used to look like someone had sprayed it with photomount! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
56038 Posted June 12, 2018 Author Share Posted June 12, 2018 My problem is indeed caused by an oak tree!! (who needs Gardeners Question Time when RM Web has the answers?) My Goo Gone perfectly cleaned track this morning had gained a slight residue by this evening which a gentle sponge with water removed easily. My previous build up had been over a two week holiday period, so Goo Gone sorted that out - but water sufficient for regular cleaning. And now I’ve also got a cover.... Thanks again Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted June 12, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 12, 2018 Lovely trees but keep away from anything you want to stay shiny, paint, glass and now track! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium BR60103 Posted June 13, 2018 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 13, 2018 Check the April issue of Model Railroader for advice on improving contact by gold-plating your rails using your wife's surplus jewelery. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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