CMX machines are expensive. You should have good ventilation when you run them. They are not for constant track cleaning where you run them in a train. They are heavy and you may need two engines if you have any significant slopes.
If you're cleaning a short yard or short sidings, it might be easier to just use the old 0-5-0 than constantly doing short push-pulls back and forth.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Tom
How is the air in the layout room?
You might benefit from an air conditioner with a removable filter. You need to circulate all the air in the room and clean it, repeatedly and frequently. Clean the filter often, and see if the filter doesn't need to be cleaned as often after a while.
A Bright Boy is an abrasive, and leaves scratches on the railheads, which catch dirt and make track get dirty faster. I use a CMX machine, which uses a soft cloth pad and solvent, and does not damage the track.
Tom Bryant_MRAt one time i believe there was an "oil ?" to place on track after cleaning
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I believe at one time, Wahl Hair Clipper Oil was supposed to be the cure-all for track problems. Some people use transmission fluid.
I will have none of this. I gleam my rails with a silver coin, and rarely have had problems.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Our track at the club had to be rubbed every week to remove the greenish tarnish that would accumulate after only a few days of sitting idle. The situation improved significantly after we installed a dehumidifier. I suspect that the drier air is better for the equipment as well. Before applying a dirt-attracting agent like oil, I would try to improve the air quality.
Simon
I've noted my track is appearing to get dirty or maybe oxidized shorty (with a couple weeks) of cleaning with brite boy. Layout is in an partial insulated well house with no temp control.
At one time i believe there was an "oil ?" to place on track after cleaning that would keep it clean and even improve electrical contact.
Thanks for any ideas.