cleaning loco wheels

[santafe joe]

Does anyone have a good method for cleaning locomotive wheels ? I've gleaned all of my rails but still need to clean all of my loco wheels. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Santafe Joe

 

[Cjcrescent]

I take a piece of paper towel over the rails making it about 1/2 the length of the loco. Then I wet it with some type of solvent, mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, or Xylol for first time cleaning. Alcohol is adequate for later cleanings. Then holding the loco while power is applied, I'll let the loco run 1 truck at a time (if diesel), and 1/2 of the main frame (if steam), slipping the wheels on the towel.

I move the towel around to clean the rest of the loco. This generally results in several jet black streaks on the towel, and shiny wheels. For real dirty wheels you may have to clean each loco 3-4 times on the towel.

For tenders, I just roll them back and forth on the towel.

Its a lot easier and faster than doing it with a knife, screwdriver or a brightboy!

 

[NH Mike]

Same method that I use except I use the blue paper towels that are commonly known as shop towels or shop wipes. They are a bit tougher than standard kitchen types. I also use a piece of flex track cut to about 14 inches long and connected to a train set simple N scale power pack that I picked up for $2 at a show. I am in HO but the N scale pack works just fine for wheel cleaning since you are not pulling a train and speed isn't a concern either.

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I use a Kadee Speedi-Driver Cleaner Brush. Some say it scratches the wheels but I've yet to see mine do it. I've been using it more than 5 years.

 

[LoudMusic]

Along the lines of the Kadee attachment there is also the Trix cleaner.
http://www.trixtrains.com/clean.html

 

[Trussrod]

Does anyone have a good method for cleaning locomotive wheels ? I've gleaned all of my rails but still need to clean all of my loco wheels. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Santafe Joe

Hi Joe,

Being a dealer, I just received information yesterday from Woodland Scenics that they have a new Loco Wheel cleaner out that looks very interesting, effective and fast to use, as well as being able to use it for cleaning the car wheels too as they state.

Along with this they have a nifty type of track cleaning head with replaceable pads, a swivel head and extension handle to reach into tight spots such as under low overhanging structures and into Tunels. It seems to be well thought out so as to avoid bumping into and knocking over scenery when cleaning the track. I like the idea and can see where it should work very good in most places.

Hear is a video showing the products.

I'll check on my cost and have pricing available for you. Email me at my
address below and I'll let you know what my discounted price will be for the various items.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiH6qg6ruSw


Hope this helps?
It looks very interesting to me, I plan on picking up these items for my own
use too!