[woodcote]

Please leave the rail cleaner rubber in its packet. If your second-hand track is shiny, but a bit dirty, clean with lighter fluid (£1 a tin from Poundland) on a cleanish rag. The Scalextric rails are plated and using the rubber risks removing the plating, making the track more susceptible to rust - and it will look awful.

If the lighter fuel and a bit of elbow grease won't shine up the plating on the rail, you could use a very gentle abrasive paste - making sure all residue is then removed.

Worthwhile having the INOX MX3 ready as soon as the track is cleaned and ready for action.