Joined: 05/02/2007(UTC) Posts: 303 Location: ,
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Hi,
I recently was laying ballast on krails for a diorama, and when I tried to run a loco on it I discovered that on some places the loco stops or runs really hard.. so it seems some contact points frome those places are a bit rusty because of laying the ballast (mixture of glue and water)... Anyone could give me an advice? I tested the whole (second hand)tracks before laying ballast on it... and all was going ok. Cheers
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Joined: 05/02/2007(UTC) Posts: 303 Location: ,
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I want to add that some little parts of the tracks are the old ones..but most of them are the new ones.. but on the old onse the loco can run without problems (even if there is also a bit of rust on the rails (not the middle point contact)
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Joined: 20/06/2005(UTC) Posts: 121 Location: The Netherlands
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I have come across a similar problem and was able to cure it as follows:
1) use of a light grade of sand paper to the middle studs . ( Light use only!)
2) Use of a cleaning truck with pads soaked in lighter fuel.
3) running one of the cleaning pads from the cleaning truck soaked in lighter fuel over the centre studs
hope this helps. |
C track,6021,large digital loft layout modelled in the legendary European land of "Moresnet" |
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Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC) Posts: 15,870 Location: Gibraltar, Europe
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Try running a track cleaning rubber along the rails where you get the problem. This usually solves this sort of problem for me. |
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
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Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC) Posts: 5,181 Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
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metpo:
I have the same effect after ballasting. After my glue dries on the ballast, I take a stepped approach. First I try to clean the rails AND pukos with cleaning solutions. I first apply "GooGone" which is a citrus based cleaner. This leaves a residue, and I take that off with either alcohol or lighter fluid. I then test run it. If it still hesitates, I try the cleaning rubber. If I still have problems, I use a "ScotchBrite" pad lightly. If I STILL have problems, then I use a very high grit (180 or higher) sand paper VERY lightly on the pukos. |
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Joined: 09/12/2005(UTC) Posts: 315 Location: Ohio, USA
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If cleaning the track does not work maybe add a few additional wires to the track at the problem areas.
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Joined: 05/02/2007(UTC) Posts: 303 Location: ,
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great ! quick reactions!
GooGone: never heard about it.. cleaning truck with pads soaked in lighter fuel: I will have to check out what is meant with that..
anyways big thanks for reactions!
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Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC) Posts: 5,181 Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
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Metpo: I don't know if Goo Gone is marketed yet outside the US but I'm sure any citrus based household cleaner will suffice. Here is a description of the product: http://www.magicamerican.com/Lighter fluid is the fuel you put in cigarette lighters. |
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Joined: 06/10/2006(UTC) Posts: 1,345 Location: ,
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I just use a plain track cleaning block - a quick wipe will remove dried glue from the railheads. On my last layout I found that the glue left on the sides of the rails discoloured to a realistic gungy appearance, so I didn't have to paint them. |
Matt from Wales.
When you pay Range Rover prices, don't accept Lada quality |
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Joined: 23/10/2007(UTC) Posts: 705 Location: ,
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I do the same to clean the rails as above.By hard running...do you mean the loco runs noisily over the ballast?
I have found that i sometimes get ballast onto the rail itself.Not the top of the rail but just enough at the bottom so the wheel flange catches it.I use a stick with sandpaper glued to it to clean it off.Then they are nice and quiet. |
If at any stage in the defusing of a bomb,you should see a bomb technician running,try your utmost best to keep up with him-Army magazine of preventative action.
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Joined: 15/12/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,589 Location: Spain
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I would never use anything abrassive on the rail!!! -Not even the finest grade sand paper. I use a wooden block. That is abrasive enough. (No, I didnt steal the idea from Dale, I invented it myself too ;-)
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Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC) Posts: 5,181 Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
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Henrik: All metals are polished by an abrasive. The rails that you are running on were polished at the factory that way. Your jewelry was polished with an abrasive compound in a jeweler's cloth. That is how metal gets it's shine...by using finer and finer grit abrasives. |
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Joined: 05/02/2007(UTC) Posts: 303 Location: ,
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thanks thanks and i tried to resolve withj a cleaning truck and it helps..
anyways still the locomotive is running a bit strange..perhaps it is because of the fact that some little ballast is sticked on the sdie of the rails..but I took it off.. I will check later on how it is going on and tell about it..
cheers
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Joined: 06/10/2006(UTC) Posts: 1,345 Location: ,
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The best method I've found for ballasting:
Lay the loose ballast - use your fingertips to shuffle it into place, making sure it doesn't jam points or come above the sleepers
Mix PVA glue, washing up liquid and a little water in an old jar
Use a syringe to pick up the glue mix, and very gently flood the ballast with it. You need to use a gentle trickle as any pressure will blast the ballast everywhere and make a mess. Leave to harden for a few hours (checking that points, etc still work) then give the rail tops and pickup studs a light rub with a cleaning block. |
Matt from Wales.
When you pay Range Rover prices, don't accept Lada quality |
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