My method is place in a Small mesh calico bag with a string closed top and put in the washing machine with the laundry.
Same Result.

NN

I have never had a cleaning car. Are they really worth it? In tunnels, I can see the benefit. But out in the open in a large layout do they help?
It seems like it's a lot easier to take a cloth with acetone or some other solvent and wipe them down. Considering how much I get when I wipe them, I would think you would have to spend a lot of time cleaning the pads.
How do you feel about this?
Thanks,
Eric

Hi all,

I have two hidden stations, both behind extensive tunnels so I went for over-kill and create a 'works train'which comprises a modified wagon with a rolling cylinder, wrapped in chux multicloth (cut down to size and soaked in isopropyl). This wagon is manufactured by centerline products in the USA and stocked locally (Sydney) by Hobbyco.

I was a bit dubious as to whether it would work, let alone the running characteristics but I must say, it cleans well and given the complex nature of my layout with gradients, spirals and multiple crossovers, I have never had an issue.

The train is powered by two BR86 with the above wagon in between. The remainder of the train comprises a crane wagon (for appearances), a 450072 maintenance car with a noch cleaning pad on one of the axles (to hopefully remove any residue left by the roller) and finally the marklin cleaning car 46042 mentioned above.

As I said, over-kill but it seems to do a good job and the sight of two BR86's steaming with sound is pretty cool!

I will try to get a photo uploaded if anyone is interested.

Regards,

Token.

Hi Peter,

please excuse the unimpressive finish on the layout - still very much a work in progress.

The first image gives you an idea of the function of the roller where you can see it is picking up the grime off the centre studs as well as the rails. The last photo gives you a view of one of my two hidden stations which is accessable from underneath. The train is no substitute for elbow grease but as I have named it on my CS2, it is a maintenance train which I run at every opportunity. Both BR86's have been upgraded to MFX thanks to the kind intervention of Norm and the guys at Train Trader (small plug ) but the engines appear to be robust enough to cope with the regular workload and do look and sound great!









I forgot to mention the last wagon which is a 46039 fmr K.W.St.E. gondola - decoration only but I think they are brilliant!

BTW - my layout is aimed at mid era III (1959-1962). My inspiration loosely came from Bert Dewill's wonderful work with a through station though I have double tracked throughout with hidden stations at each 'end'. The train heading 'south' hits the hidden station and returns 'northbound' if that makes sense?

When I have made it a bit more presentable, I will share more of it.

Regards,

Token.

Hi Token,all,

Thanks for sharing! I did something along these lines on the old layout.

Dr D