Track/Wheel Gum-up

[elvisp]

When I run my post-war engines for a long period of time on a loop of my layout, the wheels start to slip on portions of the track. The track has a tacky feel in sections and the wheels on the engines and cars has a tacky/gummy feel. I wiped the track with rubbing alcohol before I started running the trains. This happened after I ran the trains for about an hour. When I switched engines, the same thing happened. Any thoughts?

[dougdagrump]

I suggest using de-natured alcohol for track cleaning, much cleaner than rubbing alcohol with regard to the content of water and other additives. The only drawback is the flammability factor so you have to be very careful.

I also use it to clean the wheels on my rolling stock and engines but be careful of getting it on the paint as it can soften/dis-color most paints. Cleaning the wheels sounds kind of like a waste of time but if you want to reduce the time and effort in keeping the track clean the wheels are the first place to start.

Also of great importance is to use oil sparingly when servicing your engines & rolling stock.

Hope this is helpful.   

[overlandflyer]

dougdagrump

I suggest using de-natured alcohol for track cleaning, much cleaner than rubbing alcohol with regard to the content of water and other additives. ...

rubbing alcohol is denatured, or at least it should be.  denatured is merely a term that is used when additives are present to make it non-potable, though more often applied to products where ethanol is present. avoids taxes. purity might be important when used as a fuel, but 70% strength will be just fine as a solvent for cleaning purposes.  don't forget the other ~10-30% is water, so never soak any ferrous metal in alcohol for any length of time.

if you do clean track this way, it's best to perform before running.  clean track after an operating session and you risk the uncoated surface rusting in even mild humidity.

the only wheels that should have a tacky feel are traction tired rims.  clean all your wheels down to the metal and you will have a lot better luck keeping the track clean.

cheers...gary

[KRM]

I use CRC Elect contact cleaner, ( from any car parts store) on the sponge side of a Scotch bright pad and wipe the track,

 It works great but keep in mind not to use too much because it will burn.

[phillyreading]

I use a dremel tool with a wire brush to clean the postwar wheels on my rolling stock. Also don't use too much smoke fluid as that too goes on the tracks as excess residue from the engines.

[TRAINCAT]

I think probably your problem is all your rolling stock wheels are full of crud and will have to be cleaned. You are spreading grease around your track. I use medical grade denatured alcohol.to clean track and wheels. You may have to scrape some of the gunk off the wheels with a screw driver blade first, then clean with a Q-tip and alcohol.

Roger