I use the CMX car like yours filled with 99% alcohol , followed by a flatcar, then a Centerline Roller Cleaner car. The Centerline car picks up a ton of gunk the CMX misses. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7dBx3mSYUBQ
Had a Centerline, didn't like it as itwould get stuck on occasion by the pad catching a point (no the turnout was not bad but the pads they use can get cought if the point moves up ever so slightly, well within tolerances of tunning trains). I also use a bright boy with no ill affects but then I have a home layout.
I got my CMX car on the cheap (compared to some prices quoted here) at a train show. Absolutely love it.
My track cleaning consist is a CMX car, a Centerline "mop-up" roller car ran dry, and a sliding pad Walthers car.
I use 91% alcohol, and after just 2-3 passes, everything runs smoothly. I do not need to manually clean tracks, nor do I need to clean with the CMX & consist every time I fire up the layout.
Those who resort to "manual cleaning" spend time doing it, before they can run trains. With my track cleaning train, I can run trains while cleaning the track.
I feel my time is important, and worth something, so anything that saves me time and allows me to run trains faster is well worth the money in my opinion. Too many people feel that cheaper ways are the best, but do not count their time as a valuable expense, and if they did, the cheap way turns very expensive in a hurry... Sometimes spending the money up front saves expense (and time!) later.
I treat car maintainance the same. While I could do my own oil changes, tire rotation and changes, etc..., the time spent doing it is a expense. Plus the agravation of doing it in the driveway, exposed to any weather, etc... The neighborhood mechanic has the proper tools and equipment, a roomy workspace protected from the weather, knowledge and know-how, and can get it done quicker than I can because of having a lift, etc... So spending the money for him to do it is worth it in my book.
Yes, each must decide for themselves on if their time is of value. I feel mine is, and will happily spend a few dollars extra now to save my far more valuable time later.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
I started using the rough side of masonite I cut and run along the tracks myself. Very easy. I like the results too. No chemicals needed.
I have the Centerline roller cleaner, never gets stuck.
SeeYou190 I finally bought mine a few months ago. Now all I need is a layout to run it on. -Kevin You're welcome to run it on mine if that would be of help! Joe
I finally bought mine a few months ago.
Now all I need is a layout to run it on.
-Kevin
The CMX car is fine, but you still have to manually (finger) clean tough spots.
Rich
Alton Junction