 A scientific study of the black gunk that builds up on model railroad track rails and wheels found that it's primarily oxidation from micro-arking. This gunk also contains small amounts of dust and oil. By using a track cleaning solution with a low dielectric constant to inhibit micro-arking, your tracks and wheels will stay clean longer. A dielectric constant of less than three is preferred, with a dielectric constant of two or less being ideal. Track magic cleaning fluid is formulated specifically for this purpose. It has an ideal dielectric constant of 1.9. Track magic cuts through the oxides, dust and oily deposits better than conventional track cleaners. It dissolves these deposits away to leave an invisible, long-term protective film that keeps delivering smooth and steady running and reduces track and wheel maintenance. Immersing treated and untreated rail lengths in saltwater for two weeks demonstrates this protective coating's effectiveness. Compare the untreated rail on the left to the one treated with track magic on the right. The untreated rail shows heavy corrosion, while the treated rail remains relatively clean and smooth. In the pack you find a 50 milliliter bottle of track magic, a cleaning swab, a small cup, a fine micro brush, and a pipette. Add some track magic solution into the small cup using the pipette. This provides a working quantity without contaminating the bottle. Use the pipette to moisten the swab with track magic and rub it gently over the rail, focusing on the top and inner edge of the rail head. There's no need to scrub the rail, a light wipe is sufficient. Don't oversaturate the swab, and as it dries out, use the pipette to re-moisten with fresh solution from the cup. To prevent contamination, avoid dipping the swab directly into the cup. The flexible handle of the swab makes an easy job of cleaning in confined spaces such as under bridges, signal gantries, catenary, and besides station platforms. Easily clean the swab by applying a little solvent and blotting with a clean paper towel. The micro brush works superbly for cleaning in tight spots such as around turnout points or in the frog area. Also use the micro brush with a tiny amount of track magic to clean locomotive wheels, pickup wipers, and wheel tread contacts. Clean the micro brush at intervals with a little track magic and blot dry with a clean paper towel. Track magic works on all types of track and locomotives for both digital DCC and analog power. Track magic will not attack the finish of your locomotives, rolling stock, track, or ballast. Deluxe Materials Track Magic both cleans and protects your track, reducing micro arcing for long-term optimum performance. Track magic is a superb answer for track and wheel maintenance on your layout, keeping your trains running smoothly for longer. Learn more about track magic at the Deluxe Materials website and download a catalog. Deluxe Materials distributed by MegaHobby, Walters, and HorizonHobby. Or visit your local hobby shop and ask for Deluxe Materials Track Magic by name.