When I wrap the entire length as supplied by Centerline, there seems to be an excessive amount of the cloth. This absorbs more solvent than can be used up before it needs replacing due to dirt build up.
Is it best to cut off the dirty part and continue or use a shorter length from the start and throw it all away.
My opinion is that the length is to provide some cushion and to hold enough solution so that it doesn’t dry out too soon. I recommend using them full length.
I wash mine after use and use them again (honest, I’m not a tightwad). Since they are strips of handi-wipes, they last a long time.
BTW, how do you like the Centerline track cleaning car? The only complaint I have is that they don’t back up too well - I’ve learned to glue the end of the cloth after wrapping it on the drum and that makes it bi-directional.
Phil, with what do you wash the strips, what do you use on the strips to clean the rails, and what glue do you use that won’t separate with the cleaning solution?
The Centerline does the job for me and it doesn’t require much of a loco to pull it. Mine came with KaDees BTW.
When NWR ran the centerlines, (which have since walked off from their club territory…) We carried a curved-neck squeeze bottle and added a half dozen or less drops as the car rolled. This spreadi ti through, and didn’t drown the rag.
I wash them with soap and water and lay them in a paper towel to dry. The glue is water resistant wood glue (titebond II) - a little dab is enough to hold it in place.