How to clean engines/motors?

[Anonymous]

I recently pulled out my old trains and decided to clean them up and put together a layout. I'm pretty new to the hobby so I realy don't know much about it right now. My question is, what is the best way to clean the motors of my locomotives (diesel & steam)? Can I use stuff like CRC Lectra-Motive electric parts cleaner ( the stuff you use for car starters, alternators, electric tools, etc.)? I bought a new loco and it runs soooo smooth compared to my old engines. The old ones seem sluggish & noisy. Does anyone have any tips. Thanks in advance.

Nobby

[Anonymous]

In part, you also must have clean clean wheels. Go to the following clean wheels/track site,
http://www.ttx-dcc.com/technews/clean_machine.htm
The underscore_line between clean_machine is correct

[Anonymous]

Nobby,I think the parts that you refer to is to harsh for model train. I feel that rubbing alchohol and a Q-tip is the best way to clean motors being carful not to go near the winding armachures. They break easily. And you will also find that the new engines run a billion times better than the engines of yester-year. There have been many advances in the running gear of the new ones. Have fun......Jamie

[Anonymous]

Thank you Charles and Jamie. I'm looking forward to getting these old trains running right.