First, ACG rails had a variety of coatings over the years, Black track was
black oxided, Silver track was zinc or cadmium, and MAYBE nickel. I say
maybe because it is a more expensive plating. Side rods were often nickeled
in the early years, then zinc and cadmium. Operation of the trains does wear
away the plating. Yes, sanding does remove plating too. Rust occurs where
there is no plating, or other protective coating and moisture is present.
Cleaning with sandpaper should be done with the finer grits, 400 grit or
higher (you can easily get up to 2000 grit in an automotive paint supply
store nowadays--BTW, this fine a grit used to only be available as a
"modeling sandpaper" and cost a lot more!). This is usually in a "wet or
dry" paper, which does work better, and lasts longer used wet--water or a
mild solvent (I use water). The "Scratchy pads" are also useful for the
cleaning, and can be used wet too.
When refinishing reclaimed track, I do not sand the finish off the rail
tops if the track is not going to be used soon.
S'
David D.
S-Trains list sponsor: http://www.americanflyertrains.com
All the Flyer you desire...books and accessories too!
To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list send a note to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
