This may be a bit long winded, but please bear with me…
I started to build an “N” gage layout about 8 years ago. Once the track was layed and wired, I lost interest and was side tracked (no pun intended). Now my son is 10 and has expressed an interest in getting the layout running and finishing the project.
The layout is built on a 4’ x 8’ sheet of plywood with an open frame below it. It has been stored in the rafters of my garage since I stopped working on it all those years ago. When we pulled it down to start again, the track was very dusty and dirty. I have tried the “Brite Boy” eraser with only mixed results.
Is there some type of solvent that I can use to make it easier?
I have been told not to use sandpaper, what about something like a 600 or finer grit?
I also origionaly purchased one locomotive (Kato diesel) so that I could test the track wiring and switch function. When I stored the layout everything worked. Now I am suspect that some of my problems may in fact be with the loco as well as the track.
How do these things come apart for cleaning and oiling? How can I ensure that the wheels are clean?
I dont have a problem buying another loco, but running a new loco over suspect track can’t be good for it.
I think you may need to clean your track with a solvent such as “Goo Gone”, and also recheck your wiring to make sure that any soldered joints are still sound. If you used sectional track, check the rail joiners as these sometimes fail.
As for your loco, I would first take it to a hobby shop or a buddy with an N scale layout, and see if the engine works there. If the locomotive was stored for a long time, it may need a lube and a little run in. I can’t get any more specific not knowing what type of engine you have.
You might want to check the Kato website (www.katousa.com) for information on maintaining your engine. If you still have the original packaging, you might look under the insert to see if instructions are packed underneath.
You can clean your track with MAAS (or similar) metal polish. Many have reported outstanding results from this approach.
There are usually little tabs on either the frame or body shell of the locomotive that snap together. You normally spread the shell gently around the perimeter and snap it off the frame.
Seeing how you’re just getting back into things, you should consider striking up a relationship with your local hobby shop (presuming there’s one actively supporting the hobby). Take the loco to them and ask for some guidance in cleaning/lubricating the mechanism. Buy some LaBelle lubricant from them to make it worth their while.
Also, check out the directories available here for hobby shops and clubs in your area. Model railroaders tend to be a helpful bunch.
There are no stupid questions except the one you didn’t ask. Also, being a dummy implies that you have no intelligence. Your questions were far from stupid, were well thought out, and expressed.
Stupidity is the inability or refusal to learn, ignorance is the state of not knowing. Ignorance can be corrected, stupidity sometimes takes drastic measures.
I’ll second the recommendation to use MAAS. It’s a great cleaner and should not take you much longer than other cleaning methods on the size of layout you have. If you decide to use it, it can be purchased at Home Depot. Also remember to use only a small amount at a time, and to wipe off ALL the residue. I believe the instructions tell you to do this anyway.
The best way I’ve found to clean wheels on (N-scale) locos is to:
Soak a very small rag (I cut up an old undershirt) with 90% Isopropyl Alcohol.
Set it across a clean and straight section of track.
Place one axle of the loco on the track and the other over the rag (on the tracks). BE CAREFUL NOT TO TOUCH THE LOCO SHELL WITH WET FINGERS. This Alcohol also acts as a paint stripper.
Turn on the power pack and hold the loco in place. The wheels on the rag should turn in place and be cleaned. You should notice two black streaks from the dirt that came off the wheels. Repeat on the other axle, and as often as necessary on both to clean all off all the crud.
It may take you a while as the loco has been in storage for a long time.
Good luck getting things running again, and I hope you and your son will enjoy the hobby!
PS: Kato makes a high end loco, and unless someything is seriously wrong with it, it’s worth hanging onto.
Thank you also for the suggestion regarding MAAS. I’ve been modeling a long time and had never heard that suggestion. I always recommend to fellow modelers NOT TOSAND their track as the sand scratches will pick up grime even faster! I’ve used alcohol in the past but I will try MAAS. Goes to show that at age 40 I’m still in the school of life learning all the time![tup]
