Comments on: What the Best Way to Clean Track? https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/12/what-the-best-way-to-clean-track.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-the-best-way-to-clean-track Model railroads and model trains Fri, 02 Feb 2018 02:00:10 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Robert Moore https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/12/what-the-best-way-to-clean-track.html#comment-20632 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 02:00:10 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4657#comment-20632 In reply to Robert.

I should have said THANKS to Dale
TNX. Dale

]]> By: Robert Moore https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/12/what-the-best-way-to-clean-track.html#comment-20631 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 23:52:30 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4657#comment-20631 In reply to Robert.

I found them at an art supply (HD type)
These work great.
R.

]]> By: Phillip Collins https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/12/what-the-best-way-to-clean-track.html#comment-20510 Thu, 11 Jan 2018 17:32:47 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4657#comment-20510 I use Spanjaard contact cleaner and lubricant: spray onto a cloth, and then rub onto the rails. If the track is very dirty, I first use a Peco rubbing block, which is better than the US made one I have. The stuff is rather expensive, but does seem to last a long time.

]]> By: Frank B https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/12/what-the-best-way-to-clean-track.html#comment-20485 Wed, 10 Jan 2018 15:54:16 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4657#comment-20485 To clean the rail tops: paper towel is finet. If there’s grease or oil on the track, wet it with meths or lighter fluid (warning: no smoking !)

I totally disagree with track rubbers, because they leave particles of grit and rubber on the track, causing more problems.
Modern nickel-silver track does not suffer corrosion problems indoors, so abrasive cleaning is not needed.

To maintain good electrical contact, also:

Clean wheel rims: paper towel/tissue/cotton buds wetted as above. For hard dirt, a very small wire brush, or a rotary wire brush on a dremel type tool is brilliant. Croc clip leads from controller to the motor to turn the wheels makes this process very easy.

Clean the inner faces of wheels (or the axles) where the pickup contacts touch them.

Old motors can benefit from cleaning of the brushes and commutator.

Cheap controllers can be feeble in their output, and often cut-out if running an old loco taking a high current. Check this by fitting a small 12V bulb across your controller output to see if it is still supplying power when the loco unexpectedly stops.

Rail joiners are not that brilliant at electrically connecting rails. So on larger circuits of track, it helps to connect the controller wires to the track at more than one place. Observe consistent polarity !

]]> By: Dennis Arstall https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/12/what-the-best-way-to-clean-track.html#comment-20478 Wed, 10 Jan 2018 12:35:53 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4657#comment-20478 In reply to Robert Moore.

I use a graphite stick after cleaning the track with isopropoalcohol as it is a good conductor and seems to prevent build up of any further dirt on the rails. You-tube has useful videos showing how to use the graphite stick
Dennis

]]> By: Dale Ambos https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/12/what-the-best-way-to-clean-track.html#comment-20473 Wed, 10 Jan 2018 08:30:39 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4657#comment-20473 In reply to Robert.

You can find graphite sticks at art supply stores.

]]> By: Duncan https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/12/what-the-best-way-to-clean-track.html#comment-20471 Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:49:46 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4657#comment-20471 I use a foam sanding block (from poundland, uk) to get rid of any old paint, dirt etc, then go over it with a hover to get any bit off track them wipe it down with pure acetone to clean off anything else. I also use the acetone on the wheel to clean them. Seems to work for me.

]]> By: Bill https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/12/what-the-best-way-to-clean-track.html#comment-20465 Wed, 10 Jan 2018 04:00:59 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4657#comment-20465 Graphite is an excellent conductor. It can be found in art supply shops and is readily available on Amazon. A real easy source is pencil lead. I have never used graphite but have heard it is very effective.

Bill

]]> By: David Stokes https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/12/what-the-best-way-to-clean-track.html#comment-20464 Wed, 10 Jan 2018 03:58:52 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4657#comment-20464 I don’t know about graphite sticks (available from artist suppliers), but a little puff of powdered graphite on all bearing surfaces of a loco’s transmission and electric motors does do wonders for loco performance. I would not recommend using it on rails or wheel treads though as it is a lubricant and you need all the friction you can get between rails and wheels. Powdered graphite is used for freeing Yale type locks, comes in a small puffer bottle and is available from hardware or DIY stores.

]]> By: Robert Moore https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/12/what-the-best-way-to-clean-track.html#comment-20462 Wed, 10 Jan 2018 02:46:06 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4657#comment-20462 Will a graphite stick work ?
Robt.

]]> By: Robert https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/12/what-the-best-way-to-clean-track.html#comment-20461 Wed, 10 Jan 2018 02:44:34 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4657#comment-20461 Does anyone know where to get a graphite stick ?
I hear these work well in cleaning track.
Robt.

]]> By: roy Weston https://blog.model-train-help.com/2017/12/what-the-best-way-to-clean-track.html#comment-20460 Wed, 10 Jan 2018 02:30:44 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4657#comment-20460 In reply to Graeme.

thanks graeme i will try this roy

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