So the thing is, the leaves are only the problem insofar as they are the source of the oil. The leaves are pressed between wheel and rail and leave a film of oi

So the thing is, the leaves are only the problem insofar as they are the source of the oil. The leaves are pressed between wheel and rail and leave a film of oil, which a steel or nylon brush isn’t going to clear. Yes, if you get the leaves off the rails, there should never be any oil, but if some slip by your back where you started.