I am going to try to work on those 222 and 223 switches tomorrow and see if I can get them all working right and working well with loco and cars. Anyone know anyone that sells 222 or 223 switch motors? I think I have 2 or 3 switches with blwon motors. They spark and smell horrible when applied power to them. Let me know. thanks.
Also, why do some of my freight cars and passenger cars derail going over a switch or backing into a switch?? Seems like there is only one way to go over the switch so they wont derail. I used some car chrome polish on my switches. Works great. No gotta fix the derailing issue. Thanks.
Should I try the automotive chrome polish??? I used white vinegar, WD-40, and a toothbrush and still no shine. I think chrome polish might do the trick. Do you think it is safe to use it on the switches?? thanks.
Since the wheels and pickups touch only the railheads, any other cleaning is cosmetic. Avoid steel wool because of its magnetic residue. Avoid anything very abrasive that may take off whatever tin plating is left, unless you plan to replate. Scotch Brite is safe and effective.
Bob Nelson
In this months CTT there is a Q&A on pg. 31 where someone is asking about removing surface rust from an old train set.
The answer from CTT says they normally use WD-40 for surface rust, but if it is deeper they recommend an automotive chrome polish followed with WD-40.
I know better than to use steel wool. My engines might get clogged up with the shavings and what not. Even on my O guage i have magnetraction loco's and that would be a mess with them. NEVER use steel wool to clean track with rust for any reason. Thanks.
I would NEVER use steel wool on track or anywhere around locomotives. Others may disagree. Someone always does.
The rails on the switches just look dull. I have brand new MTH standard track and they shine just fine. I think the switches are just too old to try to get them looking like new. I used some white vinegar on the switches and rails. Seems to work and got rid of some dirt and rust. But, still no shine. You think WD-40 would be a good idea?? Thanks.
I've often wondered if one of the chrome rust removing products (sold by car wax companies) would work on rusty tracks.
I've always gone the steel wool route to remove rust on thin metals. While I have a Dremel, I don't like to use it to remove rust on thin metals for fear of grinding through them.
Depending on how fancy you want to get once the rust is gone, there are some small tin electroplating kits one can buy. You would be able to make those rails shine.
Also, the 10E sparks alot when going over the switches. Should I try WD-40 or is that stuff bad for switches and electricity, etc. Should tarnish remover work? Thanks.
I have a loco #10E, 33 and 384E steam loco. They all lose power when going over my switches. My switches are really dirty and little rusty. The cars go over them nicely, but not the locomotives. How can i fix this?? I have a dremel tool kit if needed. Do I use oil or some sort of cleaner to clean these up?? I want the metal rails nice and shiny. Because I dont think my roller pickups can get the power through these dirty rails. The #222 are green and the #223 are black and non-derailing. the #222 are not non-derailing. All are automatic and work great with the controllers i have. I have 8 total switches that need cleaned somehow. thanks.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month