Cleaning track&wheels

[ian_foley]

hi what is the best way to clean track and loco wheels I don't use track rubbers and track is nickel silver.

[mjb1961]

There are a few methods ,I clean the track and wheels with meths ,I don't clean the wheels that often but the track I generally clean before each running ,I runn dcc and nickel silver track and like to keep the track clean for a more reliable running with dcc ,,,,,,

[Buz]

There are a few methods ,I clean the track and wheels with meths ,I don't clean the wheels that often but the track I generally clean before each running ,I runn dcc and nickel silver track and like to keep the track clean for a more reliable running with dcc ,,,,,,

Ditto exept I run traditional DC

regards John

[walkingthedog]

Isopropyl alcohol is the best thing to use On a cloth for the track and a cotton bud for wheels.  The Double O Gauge Society make an excellent track rubber. I find track rubbers are very good. 

 

I only clean the track very occasionally and check wheels when ever I remember in other words rarely. I don't seem to have a problem with dirt. 

 

One of the worst thing for creating dirty track is plastic wheels on rolling stock. Get rid of them and replace them with metal wheels. 

[2e0dtoeric]

If you don't like using a track rubber, try a piece of hardboard, use the pimply side, not the shiny one, and lightly wipe it over the track. You will be amazed how much black muck comes off!

I've converted an ancient coach into a track cleaning truck, by having a piece of hardboard under it, on a free-sliding pair of bolts through the floor, so it can't twist round, and with a lump of lead on the inside, pressing down on the same bolts.

Then I use a heavy loco to push it round the layout a few times, before each running session.

.

Whatever you do - do NOT use a metal scraper, a file, wire-wool, or WD40 to clean the track, you will cause more damage than you could imagine, leaving a maze of fine scratches that just collect more muck, and WD40 can dissolve plastics!

[da4472vid]

 I ues clean spirt from wikes and cotton buds

 

[2e0dtoeric]

Clean spirt? I assume you mean white spirit - not a good idea, because it leaves a white residue when it dries! I'm not sure if it attacks plastics, too.

[da4472vid]

Clean spirt? I assume you mean white spirit - not a good idea, because it leaves a white residue when it dries! I'm not sure if it attacks plastics, too. No I do mean Clean Spirt Wikes own safer for the evorment