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Did you know...?   
     An "oxide" is a molecular chemical compound consisting of metal atoms joined to oxygen atoms. Oxides are created when electricity flows through a gap between contacting metals in the presence of moisture (humidity.) You may notice that trains running indoors  during a rain storm will tend to become erratic and jerky, especially if the tracks and wheels are totally bare and clean of oil. Electrolysis frees the "O" from the H2O in the air to create ozone. This oxygen combines with the metal ions from wheels and rails to form iron, nickel, and silver oxides and the  liberated hydrogen escapes into the atmosphere.
     If you can see electrical sparking between the rail and engine wheel tread while running, you have an oxide problem, and (to my knowledge) only Rail-Zip will cure it. Even if you sand oxides away, they will return unless you protect the affected metal surfaces.
    As a side note, once you chemically remove oxides from a wheel tread, you will notice that engine having increased traction until the microscopic pits are worn off the treads, if no oil is present on the rails or wheel treads.
RAIL-ZIP  TRACK & WHEEL CLEANER
1 oz. bottle - $4.49

      Pacer Technology's Rail-Zip is a track and wheel cleaner that is designed for improving electrical
contact. It is used for slot car racing and model railroads to eliminate accumulations of oxide, which
insulate and interfere with smooth electrical conductivity. Without being corrosive, Rail-Zip removes oxide and prevents oxide formation. If your wheels are clean (free of gum) but corroded (oxidized, rusted) your locomotives will still not run smoothly. With Rail-Zip on a Gumbuster, problem engines can be restored to like-new performance. Rail-Zip does not cause any residual electrical problems but does lubricate metal. In other words, you want only a thin film of it on the wheels or track.