Brass Dust on tracks?

[nochunkylover]

Hi.  I am new to the hobby.  I purchased a LGB starter set for my son for Christmas. He has been running it just about all day for the past couple of days.  Today it started to run rather slow, and after some inspection I noticed what appears to be brass dust covering thye tracks.  After wiping it down the speed started to pick up.  Is this normal?  What causes this dust? Thanks in advance.

[kstrong]

'tis not brass dust, 'tis a combination of plastic from the wheels and a bit of carbon from the brushes that take the power from the wheels to the motor. It's perfectly normal. Switching to metal wheels will mitigate this a bit, but it's not necessary. Just wipe the track every so often and you'll be fine. If it's on carpet and your son is going to continue to run the dickens out of it, you may want to consider putting something under the track to keep the dust from getting into the carpet fibers. Again, not 100% necessary, but if a clean carpet is integral to peace in the family, it may be advisable.

Later,

K

[GearDrivenSteam]

It means you are a good father. You have succeeded in addicting your son to model railroading, instead of drugs or alcohol. Great job. Keep it up. My son likes model railroading, but is addicted to fishing.

[nochunkylover]

Thanks for the info.  I thought it was brass because it looks to be the same color as the tracks.  I will be sure to put something under the track goiung forward.  The Mrs. won't take kindly to a dirty carpet.

[Anonymous]

Get some plywood, it will cause the carpet to dirty if left there along time.

Get some metal wheels, replace all plastic ones

Always clean the pick up shoes and wheels on every thing

Clean track also, grime and crap builds up on it, don't worry about cleaning the sides of track just top of rail

Any other qustions just ask away.....is what we are all here for

Toad (in da Swamp)