| Many folks that are true enthusiasts of model railroads | | | | wet car uses a cloth moistened by track cleaning fluid, |
| know the importance of having it cleaned periodically. | | | | while the dry car trails behind. It's an effective method |
| Model railroad track cleaning is essential in the upkeep | | | | when cleaning and a good way to keep from any |
| and maintenance of any structure that you have in | | | | further issues happening. |
| collection in order to keep it running smoothly and | | | | If your track appears to be extremely dirty or hasn't |
| without error. If you are unable to complete the | | | | been used for quite some time, then you may have to |
| cleaning yourself, then it's time to find someone that | | | | use an abrasive cleaning block to get it running |
| can complete the service for you. | | | | properly again. You'll have to rub the block along the |
| Model railroad track cleaning is a very tedious project. | | | | track paying close attention to the turns, points, frogs, |
| Every nook, cranny, and connective rail needs to be | | | | and other tracks in those areas. Do not use sandpaper |
| cleaned, aligned, and checked for wear and tear. Dirt | | | | to clean the track. It is too abrasive and may cause |
| and dust seem to be the biggest offenders when it | | | | grooves that will later collect more dust and dirt. After |
| comes to a track that isn't functioning as it should. If | | | | you use the block, run a cloth along the track to |
| you have a brass rail, then the possibility of oxide | | | | remove any residue that has accumulated. You may |
| forming on the track is also a factor where the | | | | even wish to use a vacuum as well to ensure there |
| electrical current is hindered. That is why nickel-brass is | | | | are no lingering dust and dirt particles laying on the |
| recommended due to the oxide being a conductor of | | | | track. |
| electricity and thus not interrupting the functioning at all. | | | | The key to any model railroad track cleaning is to |
| If you are prepared to clean the track yourself, | | | | keep it from becoming dirty in the first place. By |
| understand that you are in for quite the project. | | | | isolating your layout from areas where there is a lot of |
| Cleaning the track takes some serious elbow grease, | | | | dust or dirt accumulation, it significantly makes the |
| but there are some things you can do to make it | | | | cleaning process all that much easier. Keep windows |
| easier for you. The first cleaning method is to | | | | closed, and insist that smokers refrain from doing so |
| purchase or make your own cleaning car. These cars | | | | when near your rails. Install ceilings if the setting your |
| can either use a dry abrasive wheel or pad, or a wet | | | | layout is in doesn't have one. These simple precautions |
| pad that removes the dust and dirt. Most hobbyists | | | | will keep your train running smoothly, and allow you to |
| use both when completing track maintenance. The | | | | enjoy it for years to come. |