wheel cleaning methods

[Anonymous]

Just wondering what method folks prefer for cleaning locomotive wheels. I read the tip on this on the MR site (alcohol-soaked rag on track), but my layout isn't set up at the moment and I'd like to do the cleaning on my workbench.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[michaelstevens]

[8D]
My method is to;
(i) set the loco upside down, in a cushioned cradle,
(ii) attach alligator clipped power wires and run at 1/2 power,
(iii) use a dremel wire brush -- running in the same direction as the loco wheels -- to polish up the tires and flanges.
[:)]
Note that I usually do this at the same time as a lube service -- less risk of damage with the body off.
[:)][:)]
Enjoy and Happy Xmas

[cacole]

If the locomotive still runs on DC, I use a Kadee wheel cleaner by holding the locomotive upside down and holding the wheel cleaner's brush against the wheels one axle at a time until they are cleaned. Sometimes this doesn't work for a steam engine if the tender wheels are part of the pickup, so I have to use the alligator clip on the end of the wire tethered to the wheel cleaner. For DCC equipped locomotives, letting the wheels spin on a track-cleaner soaked rag is the only way I have used, since the Kadee wheel cleaner will not work on them.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by michaelstevens

[8D]
My method is to;
(i) set the loco upside down, in a cushioned cradle,
(ii) attach alligator clipped power wires and run at 1/2 power,
(iii) use a dremel wire brush -- running in the same direction as the loco wheels -- to polish up the

Another method is using MAAS, a paste metal cleaner applied to an old t-shirt strip wrapped around
a small block, similar to a brite boy or the brite boy itself.(easy to hold)

Then make a second pass with an untreated t-shirt material to wipe it off.

[Anonymous]

I use denatured alcohol for this purpose Flitzs really works superior for this and lasts awhole lot longer as well trouble is, it gets into truck gears and strips the lubricant from them as well as this is a bit thicker than alcohol

Lay a paper towel across test track if you got one (if not any straight away will do)
dampen with alcohol at one end place loco on track and hold it with one truck on damp towel
slowly turn up the power till wheels start spinnin hold for bout minute or so then turn loco around and do the other truck same way when done with each truck move to dry piece of towel and let loco wheels spin dry 10 -15 seconds or so repeat as necessary for entire fleet
For cars same thing only need to dampen whole towel instead
lay across piece of flextrack or whatever and roll cars back and forth over it transfer to dry towel roll a couple of times and Voila' your'e done!