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Post by domi on May 27, 2017 10:25:51 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. Yes, I have one, permanently coupled just behind the locomotives of the main train I run on my layout. I'm very happy of it. I don't know whether it's linked, but I've no problem of loose contact in the tunnel I have ( ~25" long with only 2 small hidden side hatches, made to recover any derailed stuff - I highly recommend having them). My only issue with this car is that I'm modeling modern era, and it's an old-timer style, with roofwalk. For that instance I purchased a modern 40' skin from MTL, but it's undec and I need to find an attactive paintscheme and paint it... Dom
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Post by markm on May 27, 2017 11:29:25 GMT -5
Have you considered changing the shell. My two cars use the 502 and 515 series shells with the door molded in. It seems that any of the 40 foot boxcars would work.
As far as modeling an era, I spend a fair amount of time watching trains go by and at least on the Central California routes, it seems that I generally see at least one 40 foot boxcar per mixed trains.
Mark
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Post by domi on May 27, 2017 11:49:46 GMT -5
Yep, as I said before, that's exactly what I'm going to do. Dom
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Post by markm on May 27, 2017 12:39:51 GMT -5
Sorry Dom, the impreciseness of the English language. perhaps I should have said "you all." My first car has body mounted couplers. Looks like it wouldn't be hard to shave the frame for 33 foot hoppers. Of course we could ask if the chassis could be made for another car style. It looks like a CNC job. Mark
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Post by BAZman on May 28, 2017 0:04:27 GMT -5
Greg, for the Intermodal, just but the roller near the back of the truck.
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Post by dawdawes on May 28, 2017 14:52:38 GMT -5
wipe on track magic, then use a mini Hoover to take any dust away. I do this every time I run th layout at shows and never have to use the hand of God
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Post by neverland on May 30, 2017 17:45:25 GMT -5
Thank You. So I won't waste my money ... and damage my engines ! Thanks for this technique. I couldn't imagine what I could apply the alcohol with without leaving more dust than I was trying to remove. My first train and I'm scared to death of derailments!
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Post by markm on May 30, 2017 18:20:04 GMT -5
Welcome to Z and welcome to the forum. For wiping down with alcohol I like using electronics grade alcohol wipes. They are available either as 2x2" single use wipes, good for small layouts, or the wipes packaged in a pull out container. The advantage is these are lint free and the alcohol is very pure.
As for your first train, Z scale is more robust than people give it credit. It's biggest enemy is the floor. If you are using a "z-grade" throttle you should have problems. Starting out, it's good to have a re-railing ramp until you get a accustomed to putting to cars on the track.
Mark
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Post by neverland on May 30, 2017 19:51:07 GMT -5
Welcome to Z and welcome to the forum. For wiping down with alcohol I like using electronics grade alcohol wipes. They are available either as 2x2" single use wipes, good for small layouts, or the wipes packaged in a pull out container. The advantage is these are lint free and the alcohol is very pure. As for your first train, Z scale is more robust than people give it credit. It's biggest enemy is the floor. If you are using a "z-grade" throttle you should have problems. Starting out, it's good to have a re-railing ramp until you get a accustomed to putting to cars on the track. Mark Thanks for the welcome! I had been looking at Track Magic but couldn't find any technical info re. its contents. Just a review on Amazon warning about the fumes. Where do you get your alcohol wipes?
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Post by markm on May 30, 2017 19:59:52 GMT -5
I get my wipes from Fry's Electronics, a mostly California-based electronics retailer. You might want to check their web site, but just about any electronics supplier should have them. You do have to watch for alcohol fumes from the pull out container.
Mark
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Post by neverland on May 30, 2017 20:31:59 GMT -5
I get my wipes from Fry's Electronics, a mostly California-based electronics retailer. You might want to check their web site, but just about any electronics supplier should have them. You do have to watch for alcohol fumes from the pull out container. Mark Sorry for all the questions but do you use these wipes on your train wheels too? Deb
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Post by markm on May 30, 2017 21:18:58 GMT -5
Yes you could use the wipes on the wheels as well, but I use a foam swab (lint-free Q-tip) as I like the extra control and as you probably already know from N, rolling stock finishes and alcohol don't play well together.
Mark
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