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 Posted - August 05 2015 : 9:39:03 PM
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I recently restored a ahm track cleaning car and want to to know what type of fluid to use so I dont runin it
devin "give me the ugly steam none of that streamlined stuff"
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Posted - August 07 2015 : 08:15:18 AM
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I'm not certain with track cleaning cars, but I think your regular track cleaner fluid should work. I don't believe it has anything that would damage the car in it.
-Peter
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Posted - August 07 2015 : 2:21:32 PM
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| I had an Ulrich car for awhile that I put alcohol in (that was a metal tank). I think that track cleaning cars are a novelty. In order for the car's brushes (or whatever it uses) to put enough pressure on the track to clean it . . . well you would need a pretty darn powerful motor for it to pull the car along. Nice idea; too bad it doesn't work . . . at least with what's been produced so far. In the old days, when carbon tetrachloride was readily available at the drug store (maybe even grocery store), that was used. I imagine it would evaporate more readily than alcohol. Get yourself a can of elbow grease.
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Posted - August 20 2015 : 01:35:52 AM
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ok thanks for the advice everyone
devin "give me the ugly steam none of that streamlined stuff"
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Helm
Little Six
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Posted - August 20 2015 : 09:49:26 AM
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Deja vu! I just got one of the cars made like a hopper with a weighted felt pad. It's complete except it needs trucks and couplers though. I was going to ask what to use as cleaning fluid, but dmoney beat me to it!
What about using transmission fluid? I've read that apllication of transmission fluid is supposed to help keep the track clean and improve conductivity. So, the car wouldn't be "cleaning", but spreading fluid.
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Posted - August 20 2015 : 11:39:50 AM
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quote:What about using transmission fluid? I've read that apllication of transmission fluid is supposed to help keep the track clean and improve conductivity. So, the car wouldn't be "cleaning", but spreading fluid.
Originally posted by Helm - August 20 2015 : 09:49:26 AM
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From what I've read of using transmission fluid on the tracks, you want only a trace of it not the kind of coating a felt pad would apply. For example, you'd put just a small drop on the tracks in one place and let the wheels spread it around.
There are varying opinions concerning whether this is a good idea. I haven't tried it, so I'll defer to others.
Carpe Manana!
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Posted - August 20 2015 : 1:41:10 PM
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I've heard a lot of good reports on transmission fluid from various sources but personally never tried it.
Just keep in mind fluids like this are also lubricants. So traction may be affected.
I was a great supporter of LaBelle 105 track cleaner/conditioner for a long time. Still am, but it has it's downsides too - as in too much excess on the track and wheels start spinning when pulling a longer train around a curve or on a slight grade.
http://tycodepot.com/
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Posted - August 23 2015 : 9:27:59 PM
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Here is something: kerosene!
http://www.hoseeker.net/ribbonrail/ribbonrailho4trackcleanerpg2.jpg
Good health!
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Posted - August 24 2015 : 12:20:49 AM
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Unless you have a large layout with hard to reach areas, rubbing alcohol on a folded paper towel works best.
Any locos with traction tires will get the other fluids under the bands, and they will slip.
Then you'll have to take them off for clean-up.
Just my opinion.
Evan
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