Hi I bought a Kadee Speedi wheel cleaner but I do not understand how to use it.
I see three wires, two are supposed to go to each rail and the third one? I connect each clamp to the rails, and I put the brush to the wheels but nothing happens.
Anyone please help me? Thanks
No instructions?
I have used one for years, never needed the third/ single wire (always assumed it was for tender PU etc). My only issue w/ the tool is that after dozens of wheel cleanings, I noticed that even though the bristles are brass the nickle silver was getting scratched and almost worn. This made the wheels get dirty faster. I have no problem if using on those Athearn sintered metal ones, nothing could hurt those things.Now, I clean loco wheels by running on an alcohol wetted paper towel while holding on the track. Cleans perfectly and no damage whatsoever.
The brown wire is used to supply power to a pickup axle on a tender. For a diesel or a steamer that picks up from drivers on both sides you only need the orange and white wires. Clip them to the rails, turn up the throttle and touch the bristles to the wheels. I’ve been using one of these for many years. I’ve seen some lament about it scratching the wheels so they won’t use it but I’ve yet to see a scratch so I don’t think they’ve ever used one or they are pressing it to the wheels. You don’t have to push it against the wheels, just let it lightly brush them. That’s all that’s needed.
I have one and I stopped using it. Was worried about messing up the wheels somewhat. Main thing was it was a pain, then I read about using paper towels across rails with alcohol. I tried that way, and the wheel cleaner got retired.
Cuda Ken
I made a cleaning track, by making a short, narrow ledge attached to my layout next to one of the throttles.
You’ll notice holes in each end; they are for coupler clearance. I clip the Speedi to the rails, rest the locomotive in one of those foam cradles, turn up the throttle and clean away. It’s wired with spade connectors underneath, so it can be unplugged and taken off by removing 3 screws.
And having the wheels spin on the rails doesn’t scratch them? I find that hard to believe.[:)]
We used to use the speedi too. Since we’ve gone to synthetic ATF, cleaning the wheels is really not needed. Maybe it will be after a longer time. I checked the other day and just a wipe with a cloth/Q-tip and then advancing the wheels and cleaning again worked fine.
Richard
No…There no reason to spin the wheels since you can simply run the engine back and forth across the alcohol soak paper towel.
You can clean metal car wheels the same way.