CMX Clean machine track cleaner car. Is it worth the cost for a larger layout??

[videobruce]

Not new for sure, but when I did a search here, I didn't see a dedicated thread on this item which kinda surprised me.

It looks like this has been around before the year 2000 which I would have to say that says something. If you can get by the price ($200 list) it seems to have merits more so then their competition.

I read thru all the literature and was somewhat impressed, but I would like to hear from you guys that have and experience with this before I pull the trigger. This includes criticism.

Their manual, review & HO Scale video are here;
https://tonystrains.com/product/cmx-clean-machinetm-n-scale
https://tonystrains.com/news/cmx-clean-machine-car-video-review/

The chemist review is a good read. I was less impressed with the HO scale version video. This also includes two other u-Tube videos. I wasn't able to find any US N scale versions.

I do see issues with changing those pads & filling the car especially in N scale. Lastly, I really have reservations about Lacquer Thinner or Acetone. as I use both for other purposes and know how they react to plastics.

[peteski]

I do see issues with changing those pads & filling the car especially in N scale. Lastly, I really have reservations about Lacquer Thinner or Acetone. as I use both for other purposes and know how they react to plastics.

When you model in N scale I suppose you need the dexterity to handle small items. My friend has it (N scale) and uses it in his track cleaning train (along with couple other cleaning cars).  He uses denatured alcohol with it and fills it with an eyedropper.  I agree that using axetone or lackuwr thinner is  not a good idea. The cleaning  pad does get dirty, so it is picking up the gunk. 

[greenwizard88]

I have one for a small (roughly 16x3) layout, and I love it. I use a pipette to fill it, and swap out the fabric material every few runs, which is about every 3 months. I suppose it works, as I never have connection problems that other people seem to complain about in n scale.

Edit: I use isopropyl alcohol in it.

[C855B]

No specific experience with the CMX car, but I can advise that some manner of semi-automatic cleaner is A Very Good Idea with even a medium-sized layout. (Mine is quite large @ 40x45.) What I found out the hard way - several times - is cleaning track by hand is hazardous to wayside details. I kept snapping-off crossarms on phone poles, particularly in areas requiring a little bit of reach, and it cost me the center head on a 3-head signal that can't be repaired. Considering my grand plan is lots of signals, and then there are the somewhat fragile truss bridges, automated cleaning is a necessity.

I happen to use an Atlas/Tomix car for vacuuming, and a pair of Lux-Modellbau 9470 powered cleaners, one with mild rubberized abrasive wheel, the other with a felt polisher.

[I tried to post the link to the Vimeo clip of a Lux car in action, but the forum software appears to be broken for Vimeo content and won't even let me post the URL. Go to vimeo.com and search for 427572257 if you want to see it.]

[Chris333]

Not a valid vimeo URL    Strange

[C855B]

Not a valid vimeo URL    Strange

Wow. I'm really doing battle with the forum software at the moment. This URL should at least get you there, sort of: https://vimeo.com/427572257

[wmcbride]

Not sure if I would qualify as a large layout (about 30' of mainline run) but I have had great success using those little Woodland Scenics pads that hook on a truck.

I spray the pad with CRC Contact Cleaner (available at Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon, etc.) and drag that freight car around. It works very well.

[videobruce]

C855B;
That surely sounded like a awfully rough grinding wheel on that track cleaner. Was that N or HO scale?

wmcbride;
Do they put any pressure on the railheads or is it just gravity?

[C855B]

N. That was a felt polishing wheel, Bruce. Just out of balance. The cars are rather noisy.

[jagged ben]

Personally I find the Centerline cars less intimidating to use.  I'm always afraid the CMX car is going to have some kind of accident with all that cleaning fluid in the tank if I'm not watching it like a hawk.  Maybe I'm just too anxious, but like to try to work on other stuff while the cleaning train is running.  The Centerline cars definitely have their drawbacks (no reverse moves) but I'm not sure the higher price of the CMX car is justified.   

I've used both at the club.

[peteski]

Personally I find the Centerline cars less intimidating to use.  I'm always afraid the CMX car is going to have some kind of accident with all that cleaning fluid in the tank if I'm not watching it like a hawk.  Maybe I'm just too anxious, but like to try to work on other stuff while the cleaning train is running.  The Centerline cars definitely have their drawbacks (no reverse moves) but I'm not sure the higher price of the CMX car is justified.   

I've used both at the club.

I'm curious just how many derailments you have witnessed (when watching it like a hawk)?    IIRC, the tank has a screw-on cap with a rubber seal, no?

The Centerline car can be made to back up.  Just wrap and tie a piece of string in the center of the roller to  prevent the strip from unwinding.  Once you do that, while not optimal, the car can be backed up. I wouldn't use it backwards for long distances, but it should be ok for emergencies.  At least that is what I remember when I saw that car on my friends track cleaning train.

[Maletrain]

The nice thing about the Centerline cars is that it is easy to switch to new rollers by just lifting out the current one and dropping in a clean one.  Of course, you need some spare rollers to do that.  My plan is to have a couple of those following a CMX car laying on some solvent, probably kerosene or some contact cleaner.  Have not yet worked out that part - I don't want to dissolve any scenery.

[wmcbride]

C855B;
That surely sounded like a awfully rough grinding wheel on that track cleaner. Was that N or HO scale?

wmcbride;
Do they put any pressure on the railheads or is it just gravity?

It's just gravity but the pads have some "good" dirt on them after running them around. They are heavy enough to do that and the CRC works well.

For stubborn spots, I spray some CRC on a paper towel and rub it directly on the rail.

[videobruce]

How about Deoxit D5, has anyone used that? (Note the chart)

https://caig.com/deoxit-d-series/

[peteski]

Ah,  this  is turning into "what is the best track cleaning method/liquid".  Should be interesting. I'm getting a large bag of popcorn.