in my opinion after the first few feet any track cleaning car becomes a track dirt spreader car. nothing works like a little elbow grease
I agree with you 100% It even says this on the Centerline Track cleaning car directions
And don't forget all those dirty wheels.
I have not cleaned my track in a few years. I made my own track cleaning car that I use on the track plus when I clean the track I use a wood 2x4 block with a rag around it to clean the switches.
I will be having the local club over at the layout on the 22nd of October. May need to check my track to see if needs cleaning before the 22nd. Thanks for the reminder...
when you can pass the white rag test then you can say it works. the only method I have found that will pass the white rag test is to manually wipe down the track using a clean side of the rag every few feet. no track cleaning car can change its pad every few feet to a clean spot. when some one invents a car that can do then then I am in.
No-it only has to pick up as much stuff as to allow the trains to run great. A simple tour of the tracks with the track cleaning train every 4 months or so does the trick for me. I have not cleaned the wheels in 15 years, either. The track will get black stuff on it in a week if not days regardless due to simple oxidation even if the trains do not run. You guys are free to scrubb away, and as long as you are having fun, enjoy.
I have been very happy with the gondola from Patrick's Trains. I sometimes pair it with one of Northeast trains track cleaning cars. I have had great success. You can never go wrong with anything from Pat.
This bad boy has worked well for me. Not cheap though...
http://tonystrains.com/product...hine-o-scale-3-rail/
In addition to the various track cleaning cars, I recall Lee Willis built a magnet car to run around his extensive layout to pick-up stray metal parts/particles.
We have tried them all at AGHR here in Los Angeles. Without a doubt, the model used at the San Diego club is by far the best. I purchased the car on one my visits there. The cloth along with denatured alcohol works best. A few times around the layout and your track will be absolutely sparkling.
Jeff at AGHR Los Angeles
THANKS MUCH!!!!!!! I don't mind cleaning by hand but my layout has track where I cannot reach it so I would like to have a car for that purpose. The other thing is that I would think it would be fun pulling a track cleaning car. I like both methods. Again, thank you very very much for your replies I will look into making a unit and also look into what is available per your comments.
Jerry
My favorite track cleaning car is a MTH Scale Test Car. It is heavy and I added a piece of 3M double sided automotive tape to hold a section of Scotch-Brite pad. Doesn't scream "I'm a track cleaning car!".
Before using this setup, I used a Lionel track cleaner(with Scotch-Brite) followed by a Northeast cleaning car and a home-made cleaner car(Dennis' design). These worked well together, but I like the Test Car the best.
sphillyj posted:We have tried them all at AGHR here in Los Angeles. Without a doubt, the model used at the San Diego club is by far the best. I purchased the car on one my visits there. The cloth along with denatured alcohol works best. A few times around the layout and your track will be absolutely sparkling.
Jeff at AGHR Los Angeles
What model is that? Picture? I tried to reread above, but not sure if the info is there or not.
Thanks,
Gentlemen,
I just picked up an original Lionel Orange Track cleaning car, with the bottles and all, from one of the forum members, I got it because there are a few spots on my multi-level layout that I really can not reach any more. From the looks of the scotch write pad, the Lionel track cleaning car should get the job done.
PCRR/Dave
Thanks again guys great replies! !!!!
Jerry
Recently I observed sparking across an insulated 3rd rail joint on my railroad. To assure the integrity of the joint, I put a strip of electrical tape between the rail ends.
In this case, liquid rail cleaner wicked into the tape and made the tape somewhat conductive. My preference is to clean the rails with a dry abrasive such as Scotchbrite.
Again thank you very much for the replies.
Jerry
These were available at one time. Trackman 2000, unfortunately the business owner had a fire several years ago. Does a good job with the flat surfaced, Atlas track, IMO.
Got the one that SWISE uses, works great!
Aztec Makes some nice track cleaning products.
The Marauder™ O-36 3-Rail Track Cleaning Car is one of them.
I have two of there cars and love them.
Joe
This is the track cleaning car I use along with a home made track cleaning car and the standard Lionel Stone & shop rag.
This car is made by North East Trains of Peabody, Massachusetts. I use this track cleaning car with track cleaning fluids. The cleaning fluid is added directly to the pads. I have two videos on my You Tube Channel about track cleaning cars.
http://02aedf8.netsolstores.com/
Gary
Like others, I've enjoyed making and tinkering with my own car. A flat - weighted by wooden blocks painted to look like a load - that carries a scotchbrite pad impaled on a few screws driven through the deck. I run it pretty consistently and it does the job on a 24 by 14 ft layout. The pad does not hang up on my 022 manual switches.
christopher N&W posted:Try a "little" elbow grease on 1,000 feet of track. I've done it and the results are good and true, but so is the track cleaning train with allot less effort.
I agree. I don't think any "track cleaning car" can clean nearly as well in comparison to us dampening a cloth with our cleaner of choice and doing it by hand.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
