How to Fix Scalextric Track - Cleaning track to fix stopping and slow running slot cars

If your Scalextric cars are stopping on the track, or running slow. It could be that the track needs cleaning or electrical connections tightening (see our other video for how to fix electrical connections • How to Fix Scalextric ... ).
In this video we look at how to clean Scalextric track, what to use and what to watch out for.

[@zeldadiecastracing]

Thats really nice work man,great knowledge.unfortunately i dont use that to my track lololol.but hey thats good to know how to do it for people who use that track so it wont get stuck at all.

[@cooksprojects]

Glad to help

[@mobileandhostile7895]

⭐️ thanks….but…..best gear EVER for cleaning track was Pleby’s….can’t understand why nobody picked up the “recipe” for it after they called it a day ⭐️

[@gazm1643]

Should have used some masking tape. Handy video 👍

[@cooksprojects]

Thanks for your comment Gaz. You are right it would have prevented the track discoloration.

[@filbradbury]

Excellent!

[@cooksprojects]

Thank you!

[@derekwagner157]

Personally I would avoid anything with any type of abrasive component to it if all you are doing is just cleaning track the reason for this is that you don't want to damage the nickel plating on the rails because once those are damaged you're going to be a lot more prone to oxidation on the metal. If you want to clean the rails without damaging any of the nickel plating you would be best served to use naphtha or basically lighter fluid with cotton sometimes as they say less is more. If you are determined to remove oxidation that has already started you would likely be better served using Scotch-Brite grit pads. Just mask off either side of the metal rails so as not to damage the plastic track component. I have been cleaning and servicing slot car tracks for well over 45 years and this is my experience.

[@cooksprojects]

Good idea. May be it would require less elbow grease using lighter fluid? Just make sure you do this in a well ventilated room and with no naked flames nearby. Thanks for sharing.

[@tedulmer7880]

Dremel tool with a buffing wheel and jeweler's rouge, works quick and easy.

[@cooksprojects]

This is a great idea, thanks Ted. Using a Dremel would make it a lot easier. It's the same principle; clean the track with some metal polish. But, for those of us without powered tools, a lot of elbow grease is the only option.

[@alanbates3944]

i wondered where all this grey stained track came from for sale on ebay. Now I know.............

[@cooksprojects]

Might be Alan. So all we now need to find is how to clean the polish off the plastic?

[@scooty8877]

Pretty much what I do but immediately after cleaning rails I spray track with Amberclens spray foam cleaner, let it soak in for a short while and wipe off. There will be no white marks.

[@cooksprojects]

Thanks for the advice.

[@healthy2202]

I need to replace the metal parts that make contact with the other female part. I purchased them used and there must have been moisture the degraded that part. The rest of the track is fine. Most of the track's contacts look dirty but cleanable. I have 10 or more that will fall apart with what is left of them.

[@cooksprojects]

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@josephcu776]

hi. like to ask if wd40 contact cleaner be use?

[@cooksprojects]

I have never used it and so I am not sure. It may leave a residue on the track. Leave a comment on how you get on if you use WD40.

[@thecelt4807]

while i appreciate the never ending videos on track rail tarnish ..this is just not feesable when one has over 400 pieces of track x 2 rails per track .. by the time i get to the last piece ..the first piece will need doing again lol not to mention the blister on my thumb lol... i need to find a bath solution and submerge the track to remove tarnish ...as yet Ive not found the solution but i will

[@cooksprojects]

I agree! It is hard work cleaning the track! Let us know when you have found a quicker and easier solution.

[@eugene4154]

Try useing a spray can of break cleaner, spray onto micrifibre cloth and rub over rails and the track, it may work for you in the residue/tarnish is not tooo bad
I have used it and it helped but defintely cleaned the plastic up, the purpose of the polish is to restore the rails to smooth electricaly conductive rails and to retard tarnishing, Autosol metal polish really does the trick

[@thecelt4807]

@@eugene4154 cheers for reply mate , autosol great product ... didn't think of the break cleaner ..im going to set up some sort of auto polish contraption ..if i had the option again id go for the stainless steel option ,,,best regards the celt

[@danielmills2992]

Scotch Brite very fine course is excellent for this and is a lot quicker.