How do you clean locomotive wheels when the loco has traction tires?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi all,

How do you clean your loco wheels when they have traction tires? I like the paper towel on the track method and I also have a Tidy Track root wheel cleaner that works good too.

However when the loco has a traction tire (like a BLI), using these methods just seems that the alcohol or other cleaner would ruin the traction tire.

Options?

2

Gary,

Alcohol won’t harm the traction tires. It’s a decent degreaser and used all the time in the medical field. Otherwise, surgeons wouldn’t be able to wear latex or nitrile gloves.

I would stick with the alcohol; preferably 91% or >. It would leave the least residue.

Tom

3

Thanks Tom

I was concerned because it looked like the Black was coming off the tire When that truck was rolling over the paper towel

4

Depending on the age of the traction tire and the number of hours it has been in use on that locomotive, the rubber might just be degrading. You might try swabbing the traction tire with a q-tip dipped in alcohol and see if the black eventually disappears. It’s possible that the gunk is also on the underside of the traction tire and any cleaning is flushing it out.

Tom

5

Much more than 91% and you would have to buy the stuff at a Liquor store. It would be called “Everclear”. E-85 is 85% Alcohol, and 15% gasoline, it is the gasoline that keeps the stuff legal.

6

Actually, 99% Isopropyl alcohol is available online from Amazon, Lion. That’s where I got mine.

Tom

7

It’s also available, right off the shelf, in any drugstore in Canada.

However, if you need to clean locomotive drivers, another way might be to place it upside down on your workbench (properly supported, of course) and with jumper wires powering the loco, use lacquer thinner, on a brush, to clean the non-traction tire wheels: touch the brush to the wheel tread for one revolution, then replace the brush with a clean rag or paper towel. Repeat as necessary.

Other than brass tires on older locomotives, or drivers on recently acquired secondhand locos, I almost never need to clean drivers, but don’t use traction tires on any locomotive.

Wayne

8

Thanks or the replies. I use 99% Alcohol that I get from amazon to clean my track and wheels.

“I almost never need to clean drivers, but don’t use traction tires on any locomotive.

Wayne”

Not sure what you mean when you say “drivers”? are you talking about the powered trucks on Diesel locomotives or the Rods on a Steam Loco?

9

I use CRC QD electronics cleaner on everything. Not sure if it’s safe on your rubber tires, but it should be. Comes in a spray can which makes cleaning really easy.

10

Just watched a MTS Video and the guy says avoid getting the Alcohol on rubber tires at all cost. It will dry them out.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ9dVojRFxk#fauxfullscreen

11

Gary,

The drivers on a steam locomotive are the larger primary wheels between the front and rear pilot wheels. IOW, they would be the “8” in a 2-8-2 Mikado, or the “6” in a 2-6-0 Mogul.

Tom

12

Thanks Tom

13

I had a bottle of Everclear for cleaning track until my wife made me throw it out as it is extremely flammable.

14

Is it that much more flammable than 91%? I could see limiting the quantity on hand, insisting on proper storage and requiring proper ventilation when used, but banning it?

BTW, is it as flammable as nail polish remover?

Oh I understand, you pick your battles…

15

Thats funny but true

16

No Everclear is the stuff you drink while cleaning with isopropyl alcohol. Denatured alcohol is poisoned drinking alcohol, and the poison can be absorbed through your skin, so wear gloves.