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This method of rail-cleaning builds on the idea of legendary HO modeler John Allen. He used a fibreboard of appropriate size, slung under a boxcar. I up-sized this method, using the 'rough-side' down, added weight and discovered it still didn't work that well. I added drywall sanding mesh of 150 grit and my track stated getting very clean. Then I realized this method needed less weight on the slider, or I was going to prematurely wear away my track! There is a delicate balance between amount of weight used and the coarseness of the mesh. I've tried both 220 mesh, which clogs up too easily, and 120 mesh, which leaves marks in the track! I've also discovered that Mr. Allen's original idea still has merit. I used a second car, following the 'mesh' car, which seems to polish away any oil or other muck. Both need regular cleaning, but seldom do I have any track-surface conductivity problems. |
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 The tow "dragger"-equipped boxcars |
 Mesh-equipped dragger mounted through the floor. Don't use too much weight! |
 Plain dragger detail |
 When the going gets tough.... The Aristo plow has a 4 pound brick and is equipped with its own mesh dragger mounted on a platform made from an LGB track cleaner that I had found less satisfactory. If you aren't a believer, watch the plow at work |
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By the way, I started doing this when the garden railway started in 2000, following on from my own HO practice. Then I learned of George Schreyer, who has become well-known for his tech stuff about garden railways. You should checkout his pages. |
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| This page was last updated on 23 Nov 2007. | ||||