Inexpensive track cleaning tool.

Many years ago John Allen made a track cleaning car with a hardboard (masonite) plate hanging underneath.  Recently Woodland Scenics have come up with a set of cleaning pads and handles that look pretty good too , although naturally at a price. I decided to try combining the virtues of both at a negligible cost.  My track has not been cleaned in a year and my first test produced great results. I recommend this system to the house...

Cut a hardboard pad just wider than the rails

Round off corners

Chamfer leading and trailing edges

Glue on a strip of styrene thin enough to float over the moulded on spikes and narrow enough to fit between the rails with a bit of play for curves, you could also round off the sides if you have very tight curves. Chamfer the leading and trailing edges and the sides.

Turn pad over and drill a hole part way through for a dowel pusher. I made a double ended pusher for tunnel entrances.

Push pad  along track with pusher or your hands

My worst piece of trackwork in every way - before ugghh.

After - shiny

There it is a very cheap, very effective and easily made track cleaner that doesn't scratch the rails or add any coating. Later I intend to make Allen's track cleaning car too.