Posts Tagged ‘Cleaning’

Many folks that are true enthusiasts of model railroads know the importance of having it cleaned periodically. Model railroad track cleaning is essential in the upkeep and maintenance of any structure that you have in collection in order to keep it running smoothly and without error. If you are unable to complete the cleaning yourself, then it’s time to find someone that can complete the service for you.

Model railroad track cleaning is a very tedious project. Every nook, cranny, and connective rail needs to be cleaned, aligned, and checked for wear and tear. Dirt and dust seem to be the biggest offenders when it comes to a track that isn’t functioning as it should. If you have a brass rail, then the possibility of oxide forming on the track is also a factor where the electrical current is hindered. That is why nickel-brass is recommended due to the oxide being a conductor of electricity and thus not interrupting the functioning at all.

If you are prepared to clean the track yourself, understand that you are in for quite the project. Cleaning the track takes some serious elbow grease, but there are some things you can do to make it easier for you. The first cleaning method is to purchase or make your own cleaning car. These cars can either use a dry abrasive wheel or pad, or a wet pad that removes the dust and dirt. Most hobbyists use both when completing track maintenance. The wet car uses a cloth moistened by track cleaning fluid, while the dry car trails behind. It’s an effective method when cleaning and a good way to keep from any further issues happening.

If your track appears to be extremely dirty or hasn’t been used for quite some time, then you may have to use an abrasive cleaning block to get it running properly again. You’ll have to rub the block along the track paying close attention to the turns, points, frogs, and other tracks in those areas. Do not use sandpaper to clean the track. It is too abrasive and may cause grooves that will later collect more dust and dirt. After you use the block, run a cloth along the track to remove any residue that has accumulated. You may even wish to use a vacuum as well to ensure there are no lingering dust and dirt particles laying on the track.

The key to any model railroad track cleaning is to keep it from becoming dirty in the first place. By isolating your layout from areas where there is a lot of dust or dirt accumulation, it significantly makes the cleaning process all that much easier. Keep windows closed, and insist that smokers refrain from doing so when near your rails. Install ceilings if the setting your layout is in doesn’t have one. These simple precautions will keep your train running smoothly, and allow you to enjoy it for years to come.

Technorati Tags: Cleaning, Model, railway, track

Cleaning your Lionel model trains railroad tracks is a task that should be conducted when the tracks are noticeably dirty or when the train seems to stick and pause during operation. There are several methods that work well and you may want to experiment to find the one that suits you the best. The more you use your model trains, the less often you will need to clean the tracks. Conversely, with seldom used tracks, you may find you need to perform heavier-duty cleaning almost every time you use your toy model trains.

For HO scale trains, you can purchase a track-cleaning car. You fill the car with light oil and the track-cleaning car is pulled around the track by the engine. Be careful that you don’t overfill the track cleaning car, for in doing so, oil may spill over onto the tracks or the scenery. Add oil sparingly to avoid the mess. The cars contain a small tank with protrusions that rub on the rails, cleaning the rails as the train travels the length of the track. The track-cleaning car can be used frequently. If you use a brass track, you may notice oxidation forming. If so, a more thorough cleaning of the track may be necessary.

For heavy-duty cleaning and eliminating oxidation from brass tracks, you will need a product such as Walther’s Bright Boy. It is a hand-held cleaner that looks like a small flat eraser, measuring about 2” x 1.5”. You rub the bar across the rails, allowing the grit to remove dirt, paint, and oil from your model tracks. If you have brass tracks for your toy model, this cleaner will remove most of the oxidation from the tracks. Using sandpaper or emery is not recommended as these products could leave pits in the tracks of your toy model trains.

Once you have cleaned the tracks with the bar, you will want to rub a soft cloth along the tracks to remove any residue left behind from the cleaner. Cleaning your tracks regularly will keep the toy trains running smoothly, giving you more time to enjoy playing and less time cleaning.

One more cleaning option is to use a liquid product that is made for track cleaning. LifeLike is one such product and can be purchased at your local hobby store. Dampen a soft cloth with the liquid and rub the tracks. Keep changing places on the cloth as you go so you are not using the same spot repeatedly. Dry the train tracks as you go. As you are cleaning, inspect your track for signs of damage and repair or replace them as needed.

Once your model trains tracks are clean, you will need to perform regular maintenance to keep them that way. A product such as Pacer Technology’s Rail Zip is a good cleaner to maintain your track’s cleanliness. You squeeze a drop or two on the track in a few places and let your toy model trains run for several minutes. This allows the product to be spread fairly evenly around the track. Additionally, this product will keep the wheels clean. Rail Zip will also restore the electrical conductivity by preventing and reducing sparking.

Technorati Tags: Cleaning, Guide, Model, track, trains