How To Clean O Gauge Train Track

O Calibration Runway and Locomotive Cleaning

Why is it important to clean my track on a regular ground?
The constant performance of trains on any layout will create a carbon dust build up on the wheels of the trains and as well the rails of the track. This
carbon build up must be managed by frequent cleaning of both the rail of the track as well as the wheels on the railroad train cars and locomotives. The frequency is dependent on the corporeality of fourth dimension the trains are in operation. We recommend doing a weekly inspection of the track to determine the rate of the carbon dust build upwardly which will assist yous establish maintenance and cleaning schedule that is correct for your layout.

What might the result be if I don't establish a maintainance and cleaning schedule for my layout?
If the carbon grit is not cleaned oft the operation of the trains on the runway volition endure. The buildup of carbon will ultimately prevent the locomotive from polish operation, by interrupting the power collection from the outside wheels (AC ground) and the center track collectors (Ac hot). When the buildup of carbon is not addressed, undesirable operation may occur, where trains will stall out on the track and cease to operate.

What type of cleaning agents do you recommend for cleaning your layout?
We recommend using an all-purpose cleaner with a citric base. Nosotros recommend a citric based cleaner because it does not degrade the metallic rails nor does information technology crusade poor electric connectivity betwixt the track and the wheels of the railroad train. Alcohol based cleaners should be avoided since
they tend to degrade the electrical connectivity of your trains.

Since I now know what blazon of cleaner is recommended, what are my next steps to successfully clean my layout?
• Saturate a rag with your desired multi-purpose cleaner (preferably a citric based cleaning product)
• Wipe downwardly your layout, focusing on the rails.
• One time the cleaner has been applied, follow by wiping the rails again with a clean, dry rag to absorb the excess cleaning solution and
carbon deposits from the rails.
We recommend that y'all establish the same cleaning intervals for your cars and locomotives as you establish for your rails. The easiest way to clean the carbon from freight auto wheels is to use cotton swabs.
• Saturate ane cease of the cotton swab with the same cleaner and wipe the entire rolling surface (and flange face) of the wheel with the saturated finish.
• Repeat the process with a couple cotton swabs with dry cotton to blot excess cleaner and carbon deposits from the wheel.

Locomotives are much easier to make clean, if you can lay the locomotive upside- down in a cream cradle and apply power to the locomotive. This will make the wheels of the locomotive rotate. The same method is employed to clean the wheels on a locomotive, wipe them down with soaked cotton wool swab to loosen the carbon, next wipe the excess cleaner and carbon off with a dry swab. Echo this process until the carbon no longer appears on the cotton swabs. The center rail collectors volition need to be cleaned in the same way for both the locomotive and any train cars that are equipped with center rail collectors. Notation: Cars and locomotives that sit stationary on sidings and are nonoperational do not demand to exist cleaned. They are merely stationary display items and have no impact on generating carbon. Cleaning the wheels of the locomotives and train cars volition help reduce the cleaning intervals, as all the excess carbon will be removed from the rails and the operational trains, thus eliminating the carbon. Frequent maintenance volition still be required, but intervals between cleaning will be extended.

Preventative Maintenance
Once the carbon is cleaned off the railroad train car wheels and locomotive wheels and collectors it is a good idea to perform preventative maintenance by oiling axles on all the train cars, specifically where the axles contact the side frames (and at any indicate where the axles come in contact with other metal and plastic). Nosotros recommend using the oil from the Lionel Lubrication and Maintenance kit (Lionel product number 6-62927). Oil should also exist applied to whatsoever moving parts, such every bit side rod screws, eccentric cranks, on steam locomotives, power truck axles (where they ride in the bearings, gears, etc.) Be sure to apply a sparing amount of oil to the beam of each collector likewise.