track cleaning car

I use the Trackman 2000 with a Scotch Brite pad affixed to the heavy weighted underside of the car. I run the pad dry.

Here is a photo another OGR forum member posted of the Trackman 2000:

Where can I get one of these and how much

OST just did a nice article on the Ribbonrail car, which is also rather non-realistic in configuration.  I just roughed out a six axle drop- center flat that actually looks like a real car, yet can contain a Bright Boy pad or a roller with fluid or both.

I just bought the Trackman 2000 from our local 3 rail train shop. Expensive but worth it.   I run it dry with the pad already installed. When and if it gets dirty or worn, I'll just cut a Scotch-Brite pad and install it.

I recognize that photo!   I have to get the decals on the car, it looks so "bare".

I use a car made from Dennis' plans, works fine.

I actually use 2, one with a green scotchbrite pad and one with paper towel taped on.

Check the paper towel every 50± feet of track and refold to clean spot or replace.

Run until the towel comes back clean.

I do the exact same thing with the Trackman 2000.  As you can see, I use the purple pads.  It takes a few passes, but it does do the job.

The Trackman 2000's center weight is heavy, but it actually doesn't press down directly onto the track surface. There is a reasonable gap to allow space for the addition of a Scotch Brite pad.

When I use the Trackman 2000, I simply pop it into the middle of an existing consist. It does offer some resistance while "scrubbing" the track, but it is not enough to cause any strain on a typical engine (I wouldn't recommend using Trackman 2000 with an RMT Beep!). I run around the track for a couple of circuits, then check the pad to see how it looks. If it is dirty, I flip the pad over, then run the track again. Just a few circuits every month or two really does a good job. I really like the Trackman 2000. It works well and it looks very cool.

The real trick is WHERE can one purchase a Trackman 2000 these days?

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Gunrunner: Haha! I should've known that was your Trackman 2000 photo - LOL! It would look great with decals -- good idea!

I always thought it would be fun to swap out the trucks with power pick-up rollers and add some blinking LED lights to the Trackman 2000, and put a maintenance / sanitation worker figure on top! GRIN!

I can attest first-hand that the BEEP won't pull a Trackman 2000.  I've tried it with both of mine.

I think lights would be great!  Those trucks are equipped for the clip-on rollers, but the rods from the suspension of the car come right through where the roller bracket goes. One way to power it would be a tether from your magnet car that's carrying the magnets.

I had an eBay search for a few months before my Trackman 2000 came along, they're in short supply.