Removing glued down flex track

[RobL]

My Uncle is in the process of getting out of the hobby and has a very large layout with flex track that was glued down. He has offered the track to me, which has to be in the range of well over 500 linear feet as well as a ton of switches.

Does anyone have any secret recipe for removing track that has been glued down without causing damage?

This will save me a ton of $$$ if I am able to recycle and reuse his old track if it would be possible to remove it from the board easily.

Thanks,
--Rob.

 

[Fluesheet]

My Uncle is in the process of getting out of the hobby and has a very large layout with flex track that was glued down. He has offered the track to me, which has to be in the range of well over 500 linear feet as well as a ton of switches.

Does anyone have any secret recipe for removing track that has been glued down without causing damage?

This will save me a ton of $$$ if I am able to recycle and reuse his old track if it would be possible to remove it from the board easily.

Thanks,
--Rob.

Rob, do you know what kind of glue was used? Is the flex track fiber ties or plastic? What kind of material is it glued to?

Matt

 

[RobL]

Matt:

The track is Atlas code 100, plastic ties. It was glued down with a diluted Elmers glue and water mix to homosote board.

Thanks,
--Rob.

 

[Nomad]

Matt:

The track is Atlas code 100, plastic ties. It was glued down with a diluted Elmers glue and water mix to homosote board.

Thanks,
--Rob.

Elmers glue is not waterproof. Soak it real good with water and it should come right up. Worked great for me when i removed my ballasted track.

Loren

 

[seanm]

Lay paper towels over the track and then pour water on them. Let them soak and keep them wet for a day or so.. keep checking and eventually the track will come up. This only works for elmers white glue.

 

[RobL]

Thanks for the advice guys!! Reusing that much track should save me some significant dollars that I can put into other parts of the layout...

I was expecting to have to create some oddball concoction of chemicals to remove the glue... thankfully good old H2O should do trick!

Thanks again!
--Rob.

 

[60103]

How easy it comes up depends on how well you glued it down.
And after you get it up you can have fun knocking th old ballast off. sign1