Cleaning Rails

[Anonymous]

Whats the best way to keep the top rails clean? I noticed my train slowing down already.

[Ray Dunakin]

Scotch-Brite pads are often recommended, because they won't scratch the rails. I staple one around a block of wood.

So far the only working track I have is a bit laid out on the patio, until my permanent layout is finished. With the grandkids visiting from Texas for a few days, I ran trains for the first time since January. Surprisingly, it ran just fine without needing to clean the rails.

[Anonymous]

I use the Aristocraft cleaning car. I either push it around or pull it around the track for about 15 minutes.

dan

[tangerine-jack]

I use a little WD-40 and a scotch-brite pad about once a year. Never had a problem.

[Anonymous]

I use scotch-brite pads and goo-gone this is also a good cleaner, I get the big scotch-
brite PADS at ACE HARD WARE STORE ,I cut it to fit a sanding block ,and i made a handle to fit on THE SANDING BLOCK , don't have to bend over to clean the tracks. BEN

[cutlass12001]

I noticed that no one is using the LGB track cleaning engine. Although the methods you all are using are alot more cost effective, (cheaper), I must say that I have had the same question. I have a neighbor that also has large scale train in his back yard and we were going to go halves on the LGB engine. But with the ways everyone else is cleaning, I may rethink how I spend my money. I don't like bending over either, LOL. I thought about using a sanding block with handle attachment that you use on drywall sanding with the scotchbrite pads. This way I can use a handle to save my back.

[piercedan]

Perhaps most of the LGB'ers are on the LGB forum now.

I have the LGB motorized track cleaner and it does a great job.


Sure it is expensive, but it was worth every cent I spent.

I still drag a car around weekly, and I only use the engine when the track gets real bad.

[Anonymous]

I use the lgb track cleaning loco, it is fantastic and i managed to get one at at a brilliant price£100, mint condition! It does not like steep grades though that is the only gripe.....[:)]

[Anonymous]

An LGB cleaning block attached to an old cut-down sponge mop handle with zip ties. Inexpensive, works like a charm and saves your back!

[ttrigg]

Sanding pole designed for use sanding the joint compound for sheet rock walls. $15 at Home Depot. I use 2,000 grit automotive wet/dry sandpaper (yes that was two thousand grit). Takes me less than 5 minutes to do my entire line, (just over 500 ft of track). No back aches or pains, no stooping or crawling, except when I reach inside the tunnel! Once a month. The 2,000 grit sandpaper is fine enough that I have yet to see any scratching on the rail tops. One sheet of sandpaper will last a year.

Since I purchased it for use as it was designed, repairing the kitchen ceiling after a burst water line in the upstairs bath, I did not count it as a GRR expense!

[cutlass12001]

thanks, ttrigg, and chestnut, that is just how I was going to do the cleaning. I really will need to clean after I get all the track modifications in place. thanks again. wish I could figure out how to post pictures to this forum so everyone could see what I am building here. any suggestions?

[kstrong]

On track cleaning--I don't run track power, but I do go over the rails prior to running to get rid of dirt and dust. I use a Swiffer sweeper. You can use the swiffer pads if you want, or an old rag. I don't know how the price of the swiffer broom compares to a drywall sander, but you'll score "spouse points" by bringing one home. They're quite handy to have around the house, too.

On posting photos, you need a server to upload your photos to. Sometimes your ISP will provide you with server space. A "1st class" membership over at MyLargeScale.com gets you 100mb of storage space--that's a lot of room for a lot of photos--for $24/year. Many folks who post here also frequent that site (and others) as well. Be careful of using photo-hosting sites, as many do not allow for direct linking to photos--you have to go to their site (and look at their advertisements) to view the photos.

Once you have the photos on a server, you need to format the image into your message using "image tags." Here and on many other sites, you type [*img]URL HERE[*/img] (without the asterisks * ) and your image will show up as so:


Tuscarora Lumber Co. #4 is working on the Tuscarora RR today, switching out the tannery at Shade Gap.

That's all there is to that.

Later,

K

[ttrigg]

Anything on a pole will work well. If the head swivels, like the pole sander, it is even better.

[whiterab]

I'm with Tom. The best thing I've found is a dry wall sander pole. Works great and only takes a few minutes of walking around.

[mgilger]

Track cleaning, all of favorite subjects, I'm sure...

I used to use a pole with a scotch bright pad attached to it. I finaly figured out the simplest thing to do is just use the Artisto cleaning car. I started with a single unit. It has been working so well, that I've bought a second one and run both behind my SD-45. Using 2 cars reduces the cleaning time in half. It usualy takes about a half hour of cleaning until the cleaning cars can be uncoupled and put into the mainteance siding. That's about 650 feet of mainline track. You know when the track is clean when the engines get to maximum speed. When the rails are dirty, the best I've been able to relize is about half speed. So I just keep running them until the engine speed peaks. Works every time.



Having fun in Ohio.
Mark

[Anonymous]

I have one of the LGB track cleaning locomotives and it works great , when it works . That is its in California right now getting fixed again . This time the grinding wheel gear box went bad . Since I sent it off I have been doing the same as TTRIGG . Works great too ! I'm gonna sell the LGB track cleaner and get one of those SD-70 macs i've been eyeing .

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the tips! Man this is a cool place. Now all i need is a bigger RR!!