I have a question that hopefully someone can answer for me. I'm building a Shelf layout using Lionel Fastrack. Alot of the track is inaccessable. What is the best way to clean the track, and what products will be safe to use on the track and the train equipment. Thanks in advance for your help and time. Jack.
I like using the fine ScotchBrite to clean the track.
There are a number of good track cleaning cars, here's one of many.
http://www.outdoorrailways.com/suppliers/trackman.html
http://www.outdoorrailways.com/Products/Trackman/trackman2000_Ggauge.jpg
And another.
http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/clean_machine-o.htm
http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/img/cmx/cmx-o-techdiagram.jpg
Jack,
Since you cannot reach every piece of track on your layout you will probably need a car similar to what Gunrunnerjohn posted. However, if you have some spare parts lying around, Kent Johnson showed how to build one yourself in a previous issue of CTT. I did not build one myself because I can access all the track on my layout, but it did not look too hard to build.
Joe
Joe, Thanks for responding. You wouldn't happen to know what issue that article was in would you ? Jack.
Kent's article was in the May 2010 issue. I also found an article on the CTT site from 2008 which provides some help as well.
http://ctt.trains.com/Collecting/Restoration%20and%20Repair/2008/02/Build%20an%20O%20gauge%20track%20cleaner.aspx
I hope this helps.
Great article!
Thanks Joe, I owe you a cold one.
That cold one will be boiling once it gets to OK.
I'm glad I could help. If you build one please post some photos of your work.
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