This argument wont ever be settled, and afaik, bright boys never did any harm to my tracks(I just the Walthers one)
During major track cleaning I usually use alcohol and a rag, but if theres like just some small section, I just swipe it once with the brightboy.
I dont believe that my track isnt going to be ruined with the occasional use of a brightboy, that's just my method.
Charles
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Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
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cedarwoodron The finer grit level does not create any significant damage to the rail tops...
The finer grit level does not create any significant damage to the rail tops...
How do you know that?
Ed
One alternative to a bright boy is to take 400 or 600 grit wet/dry garnet paper cut into strips and wrapped around a small wood block. A few passes on the top of the rails is sufficient to clean off any dirt. The finer grit level does not create any significant damage to the rail tops and actually polishes them.
Cedarwoodron
Is the question whether this will be brought up periodically? The answer is inevitably.
It the purpose is to debate or determine the issue of best track cleaning approach, no, this will never be settled, and a google search including site: cs.trains.com & subject gets you more info, opinions & ideas than needed.
If the key question is why monthly cleaning with alcohol is not adequate I submit the options are varied but already covered. My opinion, gleam track, metal wheels, run a masonite pad cleaner every time, spring for a CMX car and solvent clean at 1-3 months. If in a garage, even tougher.
Just my thoughts.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
I've found what's called "fret" erasers, they're for guitars, they go up to 8000 grit, so if you're inclined to use an abrasive use one that's at least 1000 grit or higher, I know many abrasive "track cleaners" are under 1000 grit, so logic goes that the higher the grit the better.
Steve
If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!
My
There are Bright Boys and then there are bright boys.
I can think of five different manufacturers of "abrasive cleaning blocks"
Peco, Shinohara, Walthers, Perfect, Bright Boy, Cratex... any more?
Each one has a different degree of "grit" in it.
When I have a section of track that is of questionable "clenliness" I choose the block most appropriate for the task at hand. Same as using sandpaper on a piece of furniture. Do I want 36 grit just before staining, or fine emery crocus cloth?
If I recently finished ballasting or a scenery project and had masking tape on the rail or a siding that hasn't seen any action in a while I might grab the Peco block which probably has the most aggressive grit. Then another few passes with the Shinohara block which is finer yet.
If I just want to give a section a quick cleaning, the yellow, rubbery Perfect brand works best for that.
Micro-scratches, I'm sure they're there. I still finish up with a swipe with a lint-free cloth dampened with alcohol. My Shinohara track was put down 23 years ago. I haven't worn it down appreciably. Trains still run beautifully. Routine track cleaning is only done on an as-needed basis, and not very often at that.
An abrasive block shouldn't be the only tool in your track cleaning arsenal but an option to use when needed.
My ¢ ¢
Good Luck, Ed
I'll probably be long gone by the time track cleaning gets figured out.
The only real solution would be for some of us to pool some money together and get a real laboratory to conduct the experiments and report their findings, short of that I'd wager we're still going to argue over it. And even if we did do that we'd still argue that something was biased in the tests.
Shall we agree to disagree?
I have always used Bright Boys. I do not know whether or not they did more harm than good.
.
I will probably continue to use them.
My better question is this: Why does Kato Unitrack never need to be cleaned? It just always works.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
7j43k I guess the issue is whether or not to use Bright Boys. That would take some experimental research to properly describe, and I don't think anyone will do it. So, yes, it will remain indecided. If the issue is whether or not Bright Boys scratch rail, the answer is yes. I did the experiment, and they do. But whether that is a problem, I can't say. It SEEMS that scratches would provide a place for gunk to linger, compared to smooth track. But, as I said, no one's done the research. Until someone does real research, it's just anecdotal blather. I'm not sure why this topic is entitled "Yet, another..." Perhaps to lure people in. Seems like same-old, same-old to me. And why would someone do that? Ed
I guess the issue is whether or not to use Bright Boys. That would take some experimental research to properly describe, and I don't think anyone will do it. So, yes, it will remain indecided.
If the issue is whether or not Bright Boys scratch rail, the answer is yes. I did the experiment, and they do. But whether that is a problem, I can't say. It SEEMS that scratches would provide a place for gunk to linger, compared to smooth track. But, as I said, no one's done the research.
Until someone does real research, it's just anecdotal blather.
I'm not sure why this topic is entitled "Yet, another..."
Perhaps to lure people in.
Seems like same-old, same-old to me. And why would someone do that?
Ed,I fully believe those 20X micro scratches doesn't hurt at all.
Any research must be unbiased toward any popular method of track cleaning including high dollar track cleaning cars or the super oil of the month track cleaner.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
That's comforting, Henry. You and I and probably everyone who posts here will be long and gone by then.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
It will be settled as soon as they figure out the best motor oil in the car and motorcycle forums.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
For whatever reason I have scoured the internet about bright boys. Some people swear by them. Others swear off them because they scratch the rails. I ran across one article in another model rr magazine where the author stated, "..."but I would have no concerns about using any of the track cleaning blocks on my track..." I have been using denatured alcohol but it seems like every month I am cleaning track. I do try and keep my wheels clean.
Is this issue ever going to be put to rest, or is it like the best DCC system, or the best way to ballast track, etc etc ad nauseum?