Ultrasonic cleaner

[PaulP]

Have any of you used an ultrasonic cleaner to clean loco trucks without having to take them all the way apart?
Wondering if it might remove weathering paint on truck.  Wonder about  cleaning rolling stock trucks also?

Paul

[peteski]

LOL - I use one of those but I also fully disassemble the locomotive.  Call me anal...  Or maybe I just take model locomotive servicing very seriously. 

While doing what you are asking about might work to a point, it won't be perfect. For example leaving the trucks assembled will not remove the fuzz, hair, and fibers wrapped around the axles (ends and in between wheels.   Even when I disassemble the trucks and use the ultrasonic cleaner, I still have to pick that stuff off with tweezers.

[robert3985]

LOL - I use one of those but I also fully disassemble the locomotive.  Call me anal...  Or maybe I just take model locomotive servicing very seriously. 

While doing what you are asking about might work to a point, it won't be perfect. For example leaving the trucks assembled will not remove the fuzz, hair, and fibers wrapped around the axles (ends and in between wheels.   Even when I disassemble the trucks and use the ultrasonic cleaner, I still have to pick that stuff off with tweezers.

You???  Anal????   

[wazzou]

You???  Anal????   

Pot >/= Kettle. 

[peteski]

  LOLski! 

[Viperjim1]

I use 99% isopropyle and an airbrush and spray it for awhile and blow dry and then lube after picking all the other matter out of the drive train .

[peteski]

I use 99% isopropyle and an airbrush and spray it for awhile and blow dry and then lube after picking all the other matter out of the drive train .

Can you really pick out all the schmutz with the trucks fully assembled?

Either way, I actually enjoy taking locos apart - that is probably why I don't mind  performing a complete servicing job.  I look forward to it. 

[rschaffter]

I clean trucks and motors out with SuperTech Starting Fluid (ether) from Wal*Wart.  Outside , of course.    The ether and aliphatic hydrocarbons it contains will not bother plastic.

I pull any remaining lint of of he gears with tweezers. In the case of motors, I then clean the commutator with 95% isopropanol....

[Baronjutter]

about 75% of my locos stopped working after I moved and think the trucks need a good cleaning.  My wife has one of these utlra sonic things, might give it a try!