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Track And You - How good is your relationship?
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<P mce_keep="true"> This is a wierd take on the controversial subject of how to keep those rails clean. All things considered, I do not believe that any track can be cleaned once, and then forget it. There are so many variables to take into account. Common dust, work dust, oxidation, petroleum deposits, carbon flux, a host of other contaminates, even our breath and skin oil. By far, the best solution is to build the pike, clean it, put on all new stock, and operate it under a vacuum condition. Outer space. </P> <P mce_keep="true"> Insofar as that space travel and dwelling are still a few generations away, probably the next best thing is the Contour and Gleam method. A forum search on 'gleam and contour' will provide a lot of information I won't rehash here. However, I can attest that the method works well. 5 years on the <A href="http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/SFRM.ORG" mce_href="/trccs/forums/SFRM.ORG">SFRM.ORG</A> HO display.But I had found that a few other things I do also help prolong the effectiveness. </P> <P mce_keep="true"> Suppose a teacher took a group on a field trip, and they all got their shoes muddy. If the teacher wiped her shoes, but the children didn't, wouln't the floor get dirty? Same with locos and rolling stock. So, clean ALL THE WHEELS.</P> <P mce_keep="true"> Then, ELVIS IS NOT DEAD. Graphite the coupler draft boxes, lubricate all the rolling stock wheels AND bolster swivel areas. This will significantly reduce the electrical load on the locos, and results in decreased arcing along the railhead, which produces carbon flux (Black Gunk). Arcing pits the railhead, decreasing surface area contact to the wheel.</P> <P mce_keep="true"> Last, try to keep the room dust free as possible, and control the humidity, 50% - 60% is ideal. Since I live in South Florida, I must accept more like 70%-90%. The local will vary, as with results. I do occasionally wipe down the track, because our environment is dusty, humid, and insects are common. Those who can achieve these points will benefit greatly with little maintenance and more quality hobby time, as I did. This is not a commercial for a product, for there is no product, but more fun</P> <P mce_keep="true">Be good. Be well. Be TRAINED!</P> <P mce_keep="true"> </P>
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