Has anyone any experience of track cleaning vehicles? I have seen some advertised, but do not know if they work! I particularly need one to clean rails in my hidden staging yard. Any first-hand hints would be gratefully received
I'm using the 'Eliminator' (M.W. boxcar) from Aztec. Does a good job and doesn't get any derails, even over switches. Purchased the gray M.W. model and was able to decal for the PRR. Looks great and easy to pull with most of my engines. Picks up dust as well as a few lost nails I leave behind. Actec has web site, from where I ordered. www.aztectrains.com Eddie
I have the "Spinning Handiwipe" and it is only good at spreading Rail Zip. The Bright Boy is still my prefered track cleaner, but I think I'll look into the Aztec. ------------------ The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
Thanks, Eddie. Had a look at the Aztec site, looks to be just what I need, so I have faxed an order to them. For accessible trackage I will continue to use a Peco track rubber (similar to 'Bright Boy' I think), but easier to get Peco ones here.
I have 2 Centerline cars and 3 Aztecs cars. The Aztec cars run constantly as part of the consists. I also have 2 of John's brass rollers (that replaces the Cratex rollers), which perform the same "wet" function as the Centerline units. ------------------ Keep on Track'N Harold Riley www.phcomputing.com [This message has been edited by sd75mac (edited 03-21-2000).]
Does anyone use the masonite hardboard method that is mounted under a boxcar? Does it work very well? ------------------ Mike Drzycimski Arlington, TX www.crosswinds.net/~mdrzycimski
Mike, I have used both the masonite board under a boxcar as well as a track cleaning car from Roco that uses a 'bright boy' type pad. They both work OK for a while, but when they start to wear down, must be replaced or start to catch the point on turnouts and cause derailments if used as part of a consist. Are OK if used periodically to clean the track, especially in places you can't get to with a bright boy. ------------------ royds
I use 91% alcohol on a cloth diaper, then i use an artist's gray pencil and "draw" on the rails about an inch every 3 inches. Works great.
I have used the Aztec car on my Z scale stuff and it works great. Tracks well and no derails. The first lap on dirty track is the hardest to keep the loco moving. Then I do another 4 or 5. Each lap the performance improves. Trey
I use code 55 track in a garage with pets. I was frustrated by weekly track cleaning. I found that a damp kitchen tall worked really well but it was tough to reach all track and the towels would tear. I tried other cleaners and like the Aztec but a little concerned about it wearing down the track. I was astounded by the price of the CMX cleaner but it does a better job than my hand cleaning. It even does a great job with just pushing it around dry with two locomotives. The two secrets to the CMX machine are: 1. It is heavy so applies pressure similar to hand cleaning; 2. It has a large reservoir for fluid when really dirty, I use 70% alcohol. The Aztec also has a nice brush and a super effective magnet for picking up track nails and coupler hoses. - tonkphilip
I use a Model Power pad drag type car that does goes but need a loco with good traction or 2 to pull it. I also have a Tomix wet/dry/vac car that does great, use can from then on feebay for about $50(US) Just make sure your track isn't over voltage with it or you'll have problems. See my post a few months ago for that adventure...
I have the Aztec cars from when they made one for MTL 40' box, you had to cut the arm off the door and glue it shut. Since 1992, same rollers, still cleans the track. I do wash the rollers every once in a while.
Well, I have not seen my Aztek car in 10 years, my spinning handi wipe car in 15 years, or handi wipes for that matter. I did however clean track with a piece of chamois and water a couple weeks ago, and it works great. Funny thing this topic... I replied to it about 16.5 years ago. Boy have things changed since then. Remember the 14 year old kid with an extensive line of modern resin detail parts for sale? If you see it, get it, for tomorrow it will be gone!
Well, I must be lucky. I don't clean my PECO code 55 track on a regular bases at all. I spot clean areas once in a while, mostly from remodeling debris and sprays getting on the track. I have never had to clean any of my hidden staging tracks, but my hidden staging turnouts have electric switches on them. I use Electrofrog turnouts and MY problem is sometimes "stuff" (dust, ground foam, ballast, etc.) gets on the points and then the points and the track beyond have no power and the engine quits. Usually I use a wooden skewer to clean it out first, if that doesn't work then I take a microbrush with Goo Gone to clean the point and the mating rail. I hosted my first operating session a few months back and the day before the session I cleaned all of the track with a Woodland Scenics "brite boy" type bar. And yes, it cleaned the track very well, however the dirt and abrasive from the bar must have settled on the points in the turnouts because I had many stalling engines the next day during the ops session.
Never thought I would be posting in a thread I started in 2000! That was back in my N scale days. I then moved to HO layouts of European origin with catenary, so hand cleaning was not easy. I bought a Dapol cleaner with powered rotary cleaning head with various discs, or can be used as a vacuum cleaner. Also has magnet and foam strip fed by a reservoir of track cleaning fluid. Worked quite well, but now I have an American HO layout I just use a Peco rubber.
Alan, I wrote an article for Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine last month that might interest you. I use DeOxit D5 and the Woodland Scenic Dust Monkey products. Go to page 218. Here is the article: http://mrhpub.com/2016-10-oct/online/ Mark
