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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2017 2:10:12 GMT -5
Hello again ... (!) In my former topic Rob wrote about the problem of dirt on tracks. Because I would have to ask a friend to perform the order (payment), I have a question about this problem. Does anybody use the Aztec cleaning cars : www.aztectrains.com/zscaletrackclean.html ? Especially in tunnels ... Are they efficient ? Thanks for any answers.
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Post by davestubbs on May 23, 2017 7:42:05 GMT -5
Yep they work great I run 3 of them to clean quicker. I also run a Marklin pad cleaner to wipe rails at the end of consist.
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Post by markm on May 23, 2017 8:03:31 GMT -5
I've been using the cleaning cars for years and have been very satisfied with them and will recommend them.
I try to keep my layouts covered when not in use, to limit the amount of dust on the tracks. At the beginning of an operating session I'll run the car around the layout 2-3 times with the locomotive pushing the car. I generally don't find a need to run the cleaning car continuously in a train, but I've had no problems with uncoupling or derailments, so I don't see any problems doing so.
The Z cars use the Cratex rollers, so run them dry. After 3+ years mine doesn't show any signs of wear, but if you are having to do something special to order the car from Aztec, I'd suggest ordering an extra cleaning wheel.
The cars are based on an MTL 40 foot boxcar, so you can change the shell if you want.
Hope this helps,
Mark
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2017 8:36:58 GMT -5
Thank You Mark ; I want to do exactly like You : removable wooden "bridges" made of slats, to ensure that the fabric (used for curtains) does not rest on the layout (especially on the trees ! ), I did so with my former layout, too ; and colours are not altered by dust ... I was thinking of pushing the car, too ; its's useless when it runs behind the loco, and this one stalls because it is running where the car didn't yet clean !
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Post by Rob Albritton on May 23, 2017 10:23:44 GMT -5
Hello again ... (!) In my former topic Rob wrote about the problem of dirt on tracks. Because I would have to ask a friend to perform the order (payment), I have a question about this problem. Does anybody use the Aztec cleaning cars : www.aztectrains.com/zscaletrackclean.html ? Especially in tunnels ... Are they efficient ? Thanks for any answers. They are wonderful and work exceptionally well - HOWEVER: I always suggest constructing your layout in a ways that you can access all of the track for cleaning and derailments. The Aztec car does an excellent job at dislodging the dirt that has attached itself to the rail surface. A simple cleaning cloth can then pick up that dirt and remove it from the rails. I prefer and use an old white T-Shirt that I cut up into smaller squares for cleaning track. My personal cleaning system is 3 parts: Aztec car White T-Shirt cleaning cloths for the rails. Clean the wheels of locomotives and rolling stock. Best, -Rob(A) AZL
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2017 11:08:32 GMT -5
Clean the wheels of locomotives and rolling stock. There is a "brass double brush" made for N and Z by Märklin/Trix, which can be put on the track for locos ; doesn't it "scratch" the wheels ?
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Post by shamoo737 on May 23, 2017 11:42:25 GMT -5
Aztec car, two of them 90%+ alcohol on a lint free wipe, fine weave material. very fine fingernail buffing "sticks" for polishing heavily oxidized surfaces. a VERY light wipe of DeOxit on the rails afterwards. I have made a wheel cleaner, will have to post a picture, basically a cotton strip over the railhead so you can wipe the wheel treads. I guess I have not made a picture of it on my site. Greg Yeah, we want to see some of your work.
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Post by markm on May 23, 2017 11:48:48 GMT -5
I don't like using metal bristle brushes around electrical motors and small plastic gears. The loss of the bristles from the brush can lead to unfortunate results. I like using a solder flux brush with the bristles cut to 2-3mm.
Mark
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Post by shamoo737 on May 23, 2017 13:55:59 GMT -5
I like to use alcohol with chamois leather. It doesn't leave residue, and it's reusable.
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2017 14:37:14 GMT -5
Thank You. So I won't waste my money ... and damage my engines !
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Post by tjdreams on May 23, 2017 16:43:07 GMT -5
Aztec Cars work Great No on the wire brush they can do more harm than good For cleaning wheels on my locos and cars i Use Tsugawa Yokou #12508 Wheel Polish Cleaner for Z scale motorized trains Tsugawa Yokou #12509 Wheel Polish Cleaner for Z scale non-motorized car You can find them on eBay
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Post by patrice on May 23, 2017 20:16:37 GMT -5
I use Aztec cars in addition to cleaning with a cotton cloth with alcohol for the rails. Cleaning the cars wheels is my problem.
That Tsugawa Yokou seems very great for that. Similar to what exists in larger scales. Thank you tjdreams for that tip. Another question concerning that : Do you have to put alcohol or something else on the cleaning pads of the Tsugawa Yokou ?
Thank you
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Post by zscalehobo on May 23, 2017 21:11:46 GMT -5
Is the powered unit 12508 some kind of conductive "cratex"? Thanks, Greg I have the powered version ... it is a great tool. Not sure about Cratex. It's like a metallized mesh. Works wonders.
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Post by modelwarships on May 24, 2017 14:31:43 GMT -5
I use an Aztec car. It works fine, I only wish there were more car type options so I could run them on other trains. A 40' boxcar looks silly on a coal or intermodal train. I use a Woodland Scenic track cleaning tool to reach difficult locations. It's pricey, but very handy. Mountain tops are removable for cleaning/maintenance.
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2017 15:10:54 GMT -5
I have already bought the same kind of tool from Germany : www.schienenreiniger.de/z.html . I did'nt test it yet, because at present times my layout is being built but for the basic, frequent cleaning (especially in tunnels) I would use Aztec cars ... When the tracks will be laid and connected, I will test the layout for several months, to evaluate the "frequency" at which access to tunnels is needed (and eliminate derailments ! ) ; all the way my tunnels will be accessible from the layout's (rear) edge. I think the main reason for derailments is "pushing" a train, like "reversible" passenger trains (Amtrak California). The only "reverse" movements on my layout will be in the stations (directly accessible) during switching. And BOTH Budd units are powered, the layout has no "s"-curves, the "passenger" track in stations will be the "straight" one and minimum radius will be 270mm ... About the Aztec cars, I will make a "special" run with only that car pushed by the loco. So I think I am most on the "sunny side of the street" !
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