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Loco Maintenance
Here is a problem that affects many in the hobby. Geoffrey asks readers for advice:
“My locos have a habit of stopping dead I don’t know why. I clean the track regularly, but cleaning the wheels on the locos is impossible because they wont turn. Dismantling is not on unless I know what to look out for. So I need some advise please.”
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4 Responses to Loco Maintenance
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Geoffrey – Clean the dirty wheels by turning loco over on or in a padded cradle (can be bought in hobby store, usually foam, or make one yourself)then find a way to electrify the engine so wheels turn so you can clean them. I have seen a model railroad hand held tool with wire brush – This tool has an insulated plastic handle and the ability to power the engine while the wire brush rubs on the wheels. I tried to locate it in a catalog but could not.
Here is a suggestion for cleaning metal wheels on a locomotive. Set up a piece of track that is twice the length of the locomotive (and tender) connect it to your power supply DC or DCC. Place a paper towel on the track and carefully daub WD-40 on the towel atop each rail. Don’t let the WD-40 soak across both rails; it is conductive and will trip a DCC booster. Run the loco up onto the paper towel and hold the loco so the wheels spin.
This works for metal wheels. I do NOT recommend it if your locos have rubber traction tires. WD-40 can be purchased almost anywhere. This procedure is a lot easier than using a cradle and jumpers.
I always find that a very small amount meths on a kitchen brush. Then simply wipe clean with some kitchen roll.
Back in the 80s I was deep in model railroading and once bought a little device that sent AC current at high frequencey through the rails. The locomotive has to get installed a tiny condenser (pico farads) between both positive and negative inputs to the motor to let the AC current work on the motor. High frequency AC electricity can pass through any rust. That was goodbye to cleaning rails!
I have forgetten the name and brand of this device but perhaps you can find such a device in today’s shops or handbooks. Try it!