I'm hearing many ways and pros and cons for cleaning wheels for better continuity. Any one have ideas and maybe the pros and cons of it
Thanks lynn
Yes, it's an old standby when things are slow.
I use a small stick to scrub stuff that is fairly thick and easily peeled. Then, I use either Goof Off or plain isopropyl alcohol, often in that order so that there is minimal residue left on the tires.
There are many clever ways, including powering a locomotive with either clips or with at least one powered axle on the rails and the other(s) turning over a solvent impregnated paper towel or bedsheet section lying over the rails.
A running engine, upside down in a cradle, with Q tips and alcohol, does it for me. Tires on brass steam have thin plating, so I avoid scratching or scouring.
Wheels pick up crud from rail (and vice versa) so keep BOTH clean. Solvent alone doesn't 'cut it'.