Track cleaning blues

[nscalbitz]

>>Has anyone used the Woodland Scenics Roto Wheel Cleaner?

Yes tried it, worked well.
Just as easy solution if only doing one or two- moisten thin tissue with 'Goo' and run engine on track over one truck (the Goo is conductive so they spin); turn engine and do other truck. Done in about 30 seconds.
dave

[peteski]

>>Has anyone used the Woodland Scenics Roto Wheel Cleaner?

Yes tried it, worked well.
Just as easy solution if only doing one or two- moisten thin tissue with 'Goo' and run engine on track over one truck (the Goo is conductive so they spin); turn engine and do other truck. Done in about 30 seconds.
dave

While the Goo cleaning method is sound, where have you heard that Goo is conductive?  The engine runs because the "other" truck is getting power from the rails.

Here is my wheel cleaning jig.  I copied (and improved) my friend's design. Basically similar to what you mentioned.  The brass rod hold-downs keep the paper towel from slipping.  I use 99% isopropyl alcohol.

[DeltaBravo]

While the Goo cleaning method is sound, where have you heard that Goo is conductive?  The engine runs because the "other" truck is getting power from the rails.

Here is my wheel cleaning jig.  I copied (and improved) my friend's design. Basically similar to what you mentioned.  The brass rod hold-downs keep the paper towel from slipping.  I use 99% isopropyl alcohol.

I'm not a fan of the paper towel, I used my old white tee shirts. The well washed cotton doesn't lint out and there is no risk of tearing, such as with paper.

[peteski]

I'm not a fan of the paper towel, I used my old white tee shirts. The well washed cotton doesn't lint out and there is no risk of tearing, such as with paper.

I use quality paper towel (Bounty) and I never had it rip or shred.   But cotton T-shirt will work too.  The only thing I would worry about would be the fabric sliding and bunching when under spinning wheels.  Paper towel is stiffer than cotton fabric,so it doesn't seem to do that.

[Steveruger45]

I use quality paper towel (Bounty) and I never had it rip or shred.   But cotton T-shirt will work too.  The only thing I would worry about would be the fabric sliding and bunching when under spinning wheels.  Paper towel is stiffer than cotton fabric,so it doesn't seem to do that.

Bounty!   What’s that?   😁

[peteski]

Bounty!   What’s that?   😁

Um, a popular paper towel brand.

[Steveruger45]

Um, a popular paper towel brand.

Oh yeah, I vaguely remember that stufff now. 😁

[ristooch]

I use quality paper towel (Bounty) and I never had it rip or shred.   But cotton T-shirt will work too.  The only thing I would worry about would be the fabric sliding and bunching when under spinning wheels.  Paper towel is stiffer than cotton fabric,so it doesn't seem to do that.

Coffee filters are also good for this purpose. No stray fibers, or shredding. I have wrapped them around blocks of wood, moistened with my cleaner du jour and gently rub the track. I vacillate between ACT6006 track and rail cleaner, 90% rubbing alcohol, and QD contact cleaner. The coffee filters do snag things and can tear as I wipe the track, but I do find them effective.