What do you use in your CMX and Centerlines?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Over the years, I have heard of several ways to clean nickle silver track. I have a Centerline and a CMX. What liquids will do the best cleaning in each of these cars? If you say laquer thinner, how do you transfer it into the CMX?

2

I use lacquer thinner in my CMX. If you adjust the needle valve correctly, there is very little odor and you don’t get cleaner on the ties or scenery. Still, I clean my track with the windows open.

My CMX came with a syringe mechanism and a piece of clear plastic tubing. I just draw thinner up into the barrel to the right graduated marking and then release it into the tank. No mess, no spills, although I do this outside or in the garage so I can vent anything that evaporates and keep it out of the house.

I’ve tried isopropyl alcohol, and I find that the lacquer thinner just does a better job. I also discovered that the alcohol would take the acrylic paint off my grade crossings, while the lacquer thinner does not.

3

Mister Beasly, I tried that syringe that came with the CMX and the laquer thinner melted it shut[banghead]

I finally unstuck it and it is still used for alcohol.

4

I use 91% alcohol on my centerline pad cars. Does not leave a bad residue like the Goo-Gone did.

5

Usually I use Seuthe smoke fluid.

Wolfgang

6

At our club, we use lacquer thinner in the CMX and run the Centerline dry right behind it to mop up any residue.

When we purchased the Centerline they recommended Goo Gone, and even provided a small bottle of it with the car. They also wanted more for a very tiny bottle of Goo Gone than what you can get a full quart for at Wal-mart or other stores.

I subsequently read on these forums that Goo Gone is not a good choice because it leaves a sticky film on the track that just attracts more dirt, so we stopped putting anything on it.

7

[B]ALCOHOL!!![B]

8

I hope you mean the other kind, but that one might help. A few beers and I would be having fun running the CMX machine.

[B][<:o)][:P][B]

9

Since I’ve gleamed my layout you’d have to ask the forum member I sold my Centerline car to what HE uses.

Terry