Keeping the rail clean for smooth operation has been a subject of varied and sometimes heated discussion over the years that I have been involved in model railroading. My layout is in my full basement, which is by its very nature .. dusty! The method I use to keep my rails 'clean' is by adding a drop or two of Wahl Oil to the rails and back a string of cars over it to make an even application. This method has been extrememly controversial .. some laud the method while others comdemn it. I have found that by using Wahl Oil, (the oil most Barbers use to lube their hair clippers)00on the rails, I can let my railroad sit for months without running a train, and when I do run a train it still runs smoothly, without arcing. There has been no ill effect on the plastic wheels either. What is your feeling on this subject? What method(s) do you use and suggest? ------------------ Bill "Get Goosed on the Yreka Western"
I too have a dust problem, but that's because I live in a desert-like environment here in W. Colorado. I've used both an eraser and just a tiny dab of gun oil, which I got from a friend in Texas. I apply the oil to the track with a Q-tip, spread it out on the rails, and run a locomotive over the track. I wipe the crud off the rails with a paper towel, and I'm in business. And never, NEVER use sandpaper- you'll pit the railhead, allowing the crud to form in the grooves, and cause lots of problems later on. I would recommend nothing more abrasive than an eraser or a Bright Boy block from Walthers. ------------------ Ship IT on the Frisco! Bob T.
Thanks for the tip Bob ... I have never heard of anyone using gun-oil before. But if it works for you, it should work for others. Do you use any particular brand of gun-oil? You are absolutely right about using sandpaper on the railheads! That's a definate no-no! ------------------ Bill "Get Goosed on the Yreka Western"
Matt .. I have tried to use some of those hand held 'track-rubbers' and all I do is knock down or break scenery as I move along. I guess I'm just an Ox in the china closet. It's easier and safer for me to use the Wahl oil method. *grin* Thanks for the input! ------------------ Bill "Get Goosed on the Yreka Western"
Matt, I also use a Peco track rubber for the accessible areas, but have an Aztec track cleaning vehicle for the rest. I just run it in regular trains, but think I will get more so all tracks will get a clean! ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
Alan .. I have often thought about those track cleaning units. How much drag do they produce while in use? In other words, how many fewer cars can you pull when the track cleaning unit is being used, as compared with how many cars can be on a train without the track cleaning unit? Thanks. ------------------ Bill "Get Goosed on the Yreka Western"
I'm not sure what brand of gun oil I have- it was a freebie from one of the guys in the model RR club I belonged to in Texas. I use it very sparingly on the track, and also on the wheels of my locomotives to clean the crud off (the sintered iron wheels of Athearn locomotives are the worst). I got the stuff in a bottle, and it sits on my workbench. All I know is, it works well, so I stick with it. ------------------ Ship IT on the Frisco! Bob T.
Almost no extra drag on Aztec cars. The cleaning roller 'rolls' along the track at a slight angle, which gives a gentle 'scrubbing' action. ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
