I have a layout in my garage that runs on DCC, and I feel that my biggest challenge with this new layout is dirty track and wheels. I want to know if anyone has a proven method for cleaning their rail I dont know about. I use that little stone block but I don't think I'm really cleaning as good as it needs to be to prevent stalling which is my biggest problem. I want to try something that possibly involves a cleaning solvent of some sorts but don't know where to start. I use a brass bristle wheel cleaner and my wheels are squeaky clean so I know its my track.
Using something too abrasive can be counterproductive, as it creates little dings that dirt can stick in. I just use an old Life-Like "track cleaning" caboose every so often with the liquid cleaner that came with it. "Goo Gone" works well too.
I too have a garage layout and have accepted the fact that dust is a problem to always contend with. This past fall I gave the track a cleaning with a well worn bright boy, cleaned with 70% alcohol, cleaned all engine wheels with alcohol and replaced all plastic wheels with metal wheels. I had good performance with most engines except two steamers that still jerked and stuttered. After reading different forums I tried putting a few drops of LeBelle #108 oil on the track, ran the jerky engines thru the oil and the stuttering problem quit. To date, all engines are running well, even when I don't run them often in this colder weather.(the garage is insulated and has some heat).
I would advise not to use abrasive material on the track or the engine wheels as it may leave scratches allowing dirt to accumulate. I have also invested in a Walthers track cleaning car to pick up the dust. Good luck.
Gale
I use rail-zip. It cleans the track and the wheels without scrubbing every foot of track. Makes the rail somewhat slick for a while afterward so if you have tough grades it might be a problem.
Check out the Deming Sub by clicking on the pics:
wjstix "Goo Gone" works well too.
"Goo Gone" works well too.
Goo Gone is only a very temporary solution because it leaves a sticky film on the rail that just attracts more dirt. Rubbing alcohol is a better choice, maybe even glass cleaner since I think most Windex and other glass cleaners are just colored rubbing alcohol.
Glass cleaner probably has too many additives and would also leave somethign undesireable behind.
If the dirt is mostly dust, the best bet would be to have a 2 car cleaning train. The first car would be something putting a liquid, like 90% alcohol or laquer thinner, on the rails, such as the CMX. The second car would be something like a Centerline car with a Handi-wipe to pick up the dirt and dry the rails. Laquer thinner will cut the grime the best, but you have to make sure the car is set so that it only keep the pad moist and doesn't drip freely, since it will eat plastic. We've had no problems on the club layout using laquer thinner as the cleaning agent ina CMX car, because it is not runnign out of the car and dripping all over the ties.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
What kind of track do you have? Is it Nickle silver, Brass, or Steel?
If it's nickle silver the earlier posts should get you running. If it;s brass or steel you might have a little more work ahead of you.
Springfield PA
Another thing to consider getting is an air purifier to collect the airborne dust before it falls on the track.
I've been using the CMX car filled with lacquer thinner and have been happy with the results. It's also important to inspect (and clean, if needed) the wheels on your locomotives and rolling stock.
And, since your layout is in the garage, you may also want to cover it when you aren't using it. I would imagine that even car exhaust would leave some deposits on your track and scenery over time when it's idling.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I use a CMX car filled with acetone (when things get nasty). I use clipper oil to cut down on arcing and dragger cars as well. I was having some stalling problems recently despite a thorough cleaning of the track. Solution: Clean all of the car wheels - haven't had to clean track now in a couple of months. My small brass still runs stall free.
Is your garage door sealed?? Is the floor painted?? These things will make it a lot cleaner environment.
Good luck,
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
wyldmanr8cer I have a layout in my garage that runs on DCC, and I feel that my biggest challenge with this new layout is dirty track and wheels. I want to know if anyone has a proven method for cleaning their rail I dont know about. I use that little stone block but I don't think I'm really cleaning as good as it needs to be to prevent stalling which is my biggest problem. I want to try something that possibly involves a cleaning solvent of some sorts but don't know where to start. I use a brass bristle wheel cleaner and my wheels are squeaky clean so I know its my track.
I have tried several of the suggestions on this post and it seems to have fixed my problem but only for a short period of time. I believe I have a bigger problem which I believe is the oxidation of the rail which occurs faster than normal due to the fact that my heater in the garage can't keep up with the cold weather we have been having. Ive decided I'm tired of being cold anyway and Ive made some room in my basement for the layout. I will have to sacrifice some main line footage but I think it will really help the operation of my trains. I'm glad I built the layout in modules. Thanks for everyone's help.