I have a 4X16 HO garage layout and need some suggestions on the best trackcleaner available without spending a fortune.
I am sure almost all will disagree with me here, but the best I have come up with is 1500 grit sandpaper. I have tried rail cleaning erasers, goo gone, rubbing alchol, and about everything elece and the 1500 grit paper wrapped around a soft substance (I use a cleaner made to clean sanding belts) does the best job as well as keeps the rails polished. Mike
PERFECT makes one of the best track cleaners I have ever used. AND they are cheap too!!!
The last ones I bought only cost $1.29 each.
They are shaped like the “Bright Boys” from Walthers, BUT they are MUCH less abrasive and a little wider. They are used by holding the track cleaner between your fingers and lightly rubbing them over the rails being especially carefully over switch points.
I usually keep several of them around and reserve one for just cleaning switch points.
You can also clean these little cleaners by rubbing them on the rough edges of your benchwork, like on the ends of your 1"x 4" etc. This will remove the crud build-up and they will look like new.
I’ve used these for many years and prefer these to anything else out there.
Unfortunately "Your dealer CAN"T get them form Walthers because they want to sell you their worthless “Bright Boys” for an outrageous price!!!
But hobby shops can order them from Great Plains Dist. which almost all hobby shops use.
The PERFECT part number is P408. You can buy 4 of these for less than you would pay for just 1 of the Walthers Bright Boys.
cf7
I’ve always had pretty good success with Track Brite Rail Cleaner:
I’ve always used Bright Boys with great results. I picked up a CMX Clean Machine awhile ago and it is the best track cleaning car I’ve ever used. Its kind of expensive but well worth it.
The Centerline track cleaning cars, though they cost about $50 each, are well worth it. Put some goo gone on the cloth and place it on the tracks and see how much dirt it picks up. Get two, one on each end of an engine and run it around for an hour or so. Works great!
I have always used pink pearl erasers.
Ditto on the eraser theory. At least if you need a section cleaned fast… just rub it but make sure there are no particles left. You would be amazed what comes off model railroad track.
You would be amazed at what Acme pads could do.
Use Metal Polish (Mother Mag Wheel Polish - Blue Magic - at Wal-mart) and you won’t have to clean your track again for 3 years.
My layout has not had the track cleaned since July 2003. And I run a lot of sound engines and they don’t miss a beat.
If you like to spend your time cleaning your track then by all means use the other methods as they only clean the track, while the metal polish cleans and protects the rails from oxidizing and collecting dirt.
It’s your choice!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Check the archives for “Gleem”, or was it “Gleam”? I was skeptical, tried it and I’m convinced. The test section I did is still shiny, the other test section next to it is cruddy. This is after 3 months.[wow][yeah]
I find the Centerline cars, while adequate for routine cleaning, not what I would use for heavy cleaning. My gripe: they are too light. I end up weighting them down quite heavily; seeing as how one wouldn’t ordinarily use them in a consist, the extra weight won’t or shouldn’t affect engine eprformance. The only one I find heavy enough is the Centerline one my wife uses on her G scale layout. Simple physics, really - the heavier, the better cleaning action. Just like elbow grease - apply more and you’ll get better results.
A couple of notes on Goo Gone - used in excess or around the wrong plastics it will melt the plastic. If you run out of Goo Gone, you can always use any kitchen counter top cleaner that has an orange (chemical, not color) base to it.
Of course, if you want the ultimate in cheap, use the John Allen method of a Masonite block attached to the bottom of a box car.