While the available choices for O gauge track cleaning cars is limited, the choices for S gauge are even sparser. For my O gauge I have a Trackman 2000 but for a newbie delving into to S looking for an efficient way to clean track, what is the preferred track cleaning car among S gauge railroaders? Is it a manufactured car, a kit bought to modify a car you already own, or a one of a kind track cleaning car you created? All thoughts, ideas, suggestions, photos, and videos are most welcomed.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Been using the CenterLine track cleaning car with Goo-Gone for must 10-15 years, now on my code 100 and S-Trax. Works wonderfully and haven't had a lick of trouble.
I change trucks and couplers on it depending on whether I using it for scale or hirail.
Rusty
Doug Peck at Port Lines Hobbies is selling one with a single can motor inside a Gondola car for about $100. You can see it on his website.
I have a friend that bought one and he seems happy with it.
While the available choices for O gauge track cleaning cars is limited, the choices for S gauge are even sparser. For my O gauge I have a Trackman 2000 but for a newbie delving into to S looking for an efficient way to clean track, what is the preferred track cleaning car among S gauge railroaders? Is it a manufactured car, a kit bought to modify a car you already own, or a one of a kind track cleaning car you created? All thoughts, ideas, suggestions, photos, and videos are most welcomed.
Check with Steve at S-n-S trains.
Dave, LBR
I made my own: a block of wood underneath a prewar flat car, the sides hold it in position laterally, a single guide pin (machine screw) down from the center of the platform. Cover the block with denim cloth, change it when it gets dirty. There are many different ways to make effective track wiper cars with different kinds of cars. My main principle is to have a disposable wiper cloth.
If track is really dirty, clean it by hand. I use these track wiper cars in regular operation for routine maintenance.
I have both the Centerline car and one from SnS with a can motor inside a boxcar. Both clean track. The centerline car also does a good job of cleaning the buildup from the plastic wheels of the original Gilbert cars. This allows the track to stay cleaner longer.