We often receive inquiries as to whether Rostio can also be used to derust model railway tracks, especially because they are often made of several materials such as steel (iron), plastic, copper, etc.
Rostio generally doesn't attack plastics, but we always recommend testing on an inconspicuous area first, as it's simply not possible to test all plastics for compatibility. However, to date, we aren't aware of any plastic that has been attacked by our Rostio products. Rostio generally only attacks the rust and not healthy metal. With other non-ferrous metals such as brass or copper, the patina is removed.
Which Rostio product should I use to derust model railway tracks?
There are two options here: If only a few model railway tracks are affected, or the tracks cannot be easily immersed in an immersion bath (e.g., power rails), we recommend derusting the model railway tracks with Rostio Gel . If you want to remove rust from tracks or other model railway parts that can be immersed in an immersion bath, we recommend derusting with Rostio Immersion Bath Concentrate . The immersion bath concentrate is very economical; 1 liter yields up to 10 liters of derusting fluid. The concentrate is simply diluted with hot water.
Questions and answers about removing rust from rails with Rostio:
Q: Does Rostio Gel or Rostio Dip Concentrate attack paints, plastics, healthy metal, or similar materials?
A: No, Rostio Gel usually only attacks the rust. But please always test first!
Q: How long should the gel stay on the grate?
A: Depending on the severity of the rust and temperature, between 4 – 8 hours and no longer than 12 hours.
Q: How thick should the Rostio Gel be applied?
A: Thick! Like a thickly spread jam sandwich. The thicker the gel is applied, the better it can work.
Q: If I want to derust the model railway tracks with the Rostio dipping bath, how do I proceed?
A: Put one part Rostio into a plastic container and add nine parts hot Add water. Now place the rails in the bath. After a few minutes, remove them and rinse them under clean water with a brush. Repeat the process if necessary until the rust is completely removed. Flash rust is often removed in just one or two minutes.
Q: Does the metal discolor?
A: Under certain circumstances, the metal may darken slightly; this depends on the metal alloy and its carbon content. Therefore, always test on a small area of the model railroad tracks beforehand.
Customers have already successfully derusted the following model railway parts with Rostio: Märklin H0 tracks & rails & switches, Roco model railway tracks, old Fleischmann tracks, old model railway switches, old locomotives & wagons. Thank you for the kind feedback from our customers!
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
