Hello to all my fellow model railroaders! I remember seeing this project in a magazine a while back, so I thought I’d give it a try. This is a wheel cleaner for engines. It eliminates having to pick up the engine off the layout, turn it over, and struggle with each individual wheel.
The concept is to take a rerailer, cut out the plastic sides along the rail for about two inches like this…
…then thread some tough disposable kitchen towels through the new openings. Cut the towel in strips to fit and make sure it covers each rail. For my cleaner’s location, I fitted the rerailer on a spur at the end of my staging yard. It is elevated so the towel will slide through to a clean spot between engines. The rerailer is not permanent to so I can pick it up to feed in new towel strips.
Once in place, spray or dab on alcohol. The strips act as a wick and soaks up the alcohol, so you can scoot the towel strip over a little between engines to produce a clean spot and to do several locos at a time. Goo-Gone or another cleaner may work well here, too.
To clean the wheels, place one truck on the strip and one truck on rails. Apply medium power and let the wheels spin on the cloth, rocking the wheel set gently side to side to get all the contours. Change the power direction and do it again. Now, switch ends on the engine and repeat. Look, it really works!
Trainfreak, I’ve seen these towels under several different names. Usually you can find them in a large store near the mops, cleaners, brushes, etc. The ones I have are Easy Wipes from Wal-Mart.
Thanks to all of you for your comments. I was hoping it was something you’d like to see. I thoroughly enjoy sharing my MR stuff with all of you.
I do the same w/ the paper towel laid on the rails, but this is a great idea. No more snagging the Kadee trip pin on the towel or reversing the loco diection and moving the towel.
Bob K.
