Tracking Cleaning Question

I use the Trackman 2000 with Scotchbrite pads, works great on my Ross/Gargraves, and previously on the Fastrack that I used to run.

Thanks.  It appears that the gentlemen who made the trackman 2000 is no longer making them.

T-102 from NE Trains, and also a Centerline Products car.  The T-102 has a set of two weighted (felt?) pads that rub the track, used dry or with  solvent.

The Centerline has a heavy brass body that encloses a plastic roller about the size of an old 35 mm film tube w/ a fuzz on the surface.  You fill the tube w/ weight (I use lead shot) and wet the roller with solvent. The roller (tube) rotates intermittently (like when it crosses a switch).  As far as effectiveness-

it's hard to say.  But if I had to pick I would say the T-102, and you can also sub scrub pads for better cleaning.                                         

I use denatured alcohol on either one.  But beware, denatured alcohol has an alter ego- stove fuel.   Once a spark from an engine pulling the cleaning car set the wet track on fire.  I put it out immediately.  But I am glad the wife did not see it happen!!  That was just one time in years of using the Centerline car, and I probably went overboard on the alcohol.

The AC system we use is very forgiving in terms of signal and track connectivity.  So I don't think we have many problems in places we have trains.  HO and N scale trains have much more in the way of issues- the control system needs a clean track, the DC voltage drops over distance more so than AC.

I use a long, thin (maybe 1/8" thick) stick with red shop rags wrapped around it and wet using denatured alcohol to get to areas inside tunnels.  A rubber band holds rolled-up the shop towel. Works well.

Roeschs1

Review the classic post below on eliminating track cleaning to solve your track cleaning issue.

https://ogrforum.com/...8#159237712040698638

Charlie

Cheap and Easy...

I recommend what @Choo Choo Charlie linked to above. I used No-ox on my track and haven’t had any need to clean my fastrack. One small container will last a lifetime.

Thanks everyone.   Ron045, how did you attach the sponge to the freight car?

@Roeschs1 posted:

, how did you attach the sponge to the freight car?

Velcro.

@Choo Choo Charlie posted:Roeschs1

Review the post below on eliminate track cleaning to solve your track cleaning issue.

Charlie

Nice job on the layout, Charlie!

Other threads on this site have recommended against denatured alcohol and other polar solvents in favor of non-polar solvents such as mineral spirits or contact cleaners. Apparently, the latter discourage the sparking that creates contact issues, while the former encourage it. Searching the forum could turn up these threads if you wish to dive deeper.

@Ken Wing posted:

Other threads on this site have recommended against denatured alcohol and other polar solvents in favor of non-polar solvents such as mineral spirits or contact cleaners. Apparently, the latter discourage the sparking that creates contact issues, while the former encourage it. Searching the forum could turn up these threads if you wish to dive deeper.

Preferably a fluid with a dielectric constant of 3 or less.  The intent of the exercise is to remove carbon accumulation from microcracks in the rail.  I use lighter fluid.

Lou N

https://ogrforum.com/...2#170922644630183432

https://ogrforum.com/...rack-cleaning?page=1

I use Acetone on a Terry cloth on a reduced size sheetrock sanding block with Extension pole ,works great.