Different Track Cleaning Option

April 3, 2007

Clean track is essential for any model railroad layout because the power for the locomotives motor comes from the track up through the wheels. Keeping the wheels clean is therefore critical as good performance depends around 90 percent on clean locomotive wheels and 10 percent on clean track. Both track and wheels affect smooth running on a model railroad layout.

The Model Train Help Ebook discusses this in more detail and covers several methods for track cleaning and gives many helpful tips on keeping the track clean.

One option not mentioned in the ebook is the Gaugemaster electronic track cleaner. According to Gaugemaster, “The 12v D.C. controlled output from the controller is passed through the unit. Connection between unit, power source, controller, and track is completed via six terminal connections. The unit superimposes a harmless high frequency signal over the output from the controller. When a poor contact between loco and rail is detected the unit switches on, ionising the gap and burning off the dirt, switching off again when contact is restored.”

Personally, I haven’t tried the Gaugemaster track cleaning system so I can’t personally recommend it, but it is another track cleaning option to consider. Also, worth nothing is that Gaugemaster offer the track cleaner as a single track cleaner or a twin track cleaner.