Track cleaning do's and don'ts. How "Not" to clean your track ! And how to do it better!
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Well....some of you may be spending a little more time at home lately, so I thought I would revisit the old subject of track cleaning . Now there are many lotions and potions that claim to keep your model railroad running in top condition, but when it comes down to basics , the wheel -rail interface is just a switch in an electrical circuit! I've spent the last 40 years working on electrical circuits , and model railroading, so I thought I would share some tips to help you get better performance on your tracks!
P.S,,,this video features a little "Covid' craziness" ....just for fun.
Cheers Gregg.
Timestamps;
2:00 - track rubbers..why NOT to use!
4:30 - Isopropyl alcohol..why NOT to use!
7:30 - what to use...Inoxx or CRC.
10:30 - how I clean track.
Hi, it's great to hear someone whom will speak clearly and colourfully. I'm sick of political correctness. Well done, mate.
Thank you Ivan! I'm all for manners , but you can stick your PC..LOL. Glad you enjoyed the video! If you're sick of PC .you'll love Lord Stan.
Cheers Gregg.
I realize it's kinda off topic but does anybody know a good site to stream new tv shows online ?
@Axel Amir Flixportal :)
@Jordy Harlem Thanks, I went there and it seems like a nice service :D I really appreciate it !!
@Axel Amir no problem xD
Is this the world's most annoying model railway man? All that could have been said in 5 minutes or less without the histrionics. If that product is similar to WD40 it is definitely not suitable as it leaves a lubricant behind that will make the wheels dirty. Electrical contact cleaner is the right product to use.
It's humor mixed with knowledge. Also he said crc. Wd40 only if it's their contact cleaner, not the regular stuff. I've now heard another guy say no to that because it etches the rails. Other people are now saying mineral spirits only?!?
Just came across this and tried it on my own layout, everything runs so smoothly now no dead spots, no sound cutting out, and i couldn't be happier 😊 thanks for sharing this
Thats great news! I'm glad you got the desired results and thanks for watching and letting me know! I appreciate the feedback and love seeing layouts work better.
Cheers Gregg.
This man could make the funniest movie with his great personality. Talent scout s should see this.
Timely video, as I am doing my cleaning of the track on the layout. Thank you, Sir!!!
You're welcome !
Thanks for watching.
Gregg .
Best track cleaning video I’ve seen in over 45 years of model Railroading!
Thanks very much Gary! That's a big call sir! It's taken me almost that long to work out the best method..LOL
Cheers Gregg
Great plain no bull manure just straight to the point .Good man 😊
Thanks Steve! Glad you enjoy the videos!
CHeers Gregg.
When I was a kid, I used one of those gritty things. That was back in the mid 60's and my track was brass. Didn't give a crap about that track back then. .....everything was different anyway. Fast forward to the late 90's; married, two kids, 2nd house and a nice big basement. Finally built bench work around the walls and started laying track. Fast forward a bit more; having trains run smoothly (DC) was getting to be a pain in the ass. I had two loops, 4 scale miles (HO) of mainline and numerous long sidings. ...plus a 5 track yard, caboose tracks and an nice engine facility. Then trains started running like shit. I was cleaning my track with alcohol and I thought my finger was going to fall off. Then shortly after cleaning, trains started running like shit again. Now I was starting to use alcohol (the kind in the 12 oz can) and I was getting ugly at how the layout ran. I was not far away from a 24 oz framing hammer and smashing the layout to smithereens, and quitting the hobby. !! Then a friend said, "you think the track is too clean, no conductivity" ?? I remember another friend who mentioned using clipper oil bought from a beauty supply store. Years ago we had a friend who was a WW2, Pacific Theater veteran. He swore by the clipper oil. So with that said, a 4 oz bottle of clipper oil was about $4 US. So I bought one. Learning the hard way, I put too much oil on the track and the trains stalled and just spun it's wheels. So wiping that off, I now just put a dite on my finger tip (hardly a small drop) and rub it on a 3' section of rail (track now nickel, no brass) then another dite and another rub on the opposite rail down the track a bit. Trains now run like tops. When the headlight of the lead unit starts to flicker just a tad, I reapply just a teeny bit of clipper oil and everything runs great for a long time. I run 70+ car freights with 3-4 units. When the track is ever so slightly oiled, I let the trains spread it all around the layout. I'm not so young anymore and I'm getting physically handicapped now so I don't get down cellar as much as I would like anymore. However, I know when I go down cellar, my trains will run well. Now I break Rule G in comfort rather than in anger that trains will not run well. As Gregg stated, you need good electrical conduct to run your trains !! For me, clipper oil is the answer. Sorry to run on a bit. Thank you.
Hi Steve, a great story and similar to many in the comments about IPA ! I also got to the stage of trains refusing to run after cleaning, and a short length of track wiped with (then ) CRC fixed it instantly. I hope you still get down to the basement to run some trains now and then !
Thanks for watching sir.
Cheers Gregg.
bnsf Knows about the track Cleaning in your Track :] 3:23
Damn Greg you could write a Toolbox Talk about this stuff. 😂🤣
LOL...Bloody ToolBox Talks,,I'm sick of them at work!! Maybe I'll write a book???
Thanks for watching Bronson.
Gregg.
Geesh Gregg. Lord Stan peed in your cornflakes? Calm down. No need to get your nickers in a bunch. :):):) Seriously. Great advice. I personally thought using a track rubber... in the US they refer to them, in the generic sense, as Bright Boys, etc... like using 60-grit sandpaper on nice paint job.
Exactly right Colin but people still use them ?? ...and thats why the rant was necessary..LOL
Thanks for watching.
Gregg.:-)
Worked like a charm. THANK YOU! My tracks turned blackish but even my most stubborn locomotive that I've had in boxes for years run like champs. Maybe the best model railroad tip I've seen on UA-cam.
Thank you SO much ! Glad you got the results I promised..LOL. Keep up on the cleaning and it will only get better !
Cheers Gregg.
CRC 2-26 is life changing, After I watched this video I will never use anything else. This stuff can make trains run over rust.
Great to hear! I'm glad you got great results .
Cheers Gregg.
As a 63 year old beginner in the US, this is great info. I really appreciate it. I'll have to watch all your other videos. I'm absorbing all the information that I can. I am building a railroad for my 6 year old grandson. We went to a model railroad museum and his eyes were as big as plates! So......here I am. :) Thank you! Greg in Tennessee, US
Hi Greg and welcome to the hobby! You have a lot to learn , so it will keep you busy for the next 63 years!! I really think you're building it for you .....as well as your grandson..LOL. I hope you enjoy the videos and thank you for watching.
Gregg
A few years ago you recommended Goo Gone, I've used Goo Gone ever since in my heavy, brass, track cleaner and it has been great, even the loco's and rolling stocks wheels get cleaned.
Hi Sam , that wasn't me I'm afraid. I've never used it but some people say it works well? I did do a video on Innox and Lanolin spray a few years ago ..that could be it?
Cheers Gregg.
8:37 Why do you say that the cleaner is "food grade"? It says right on the can that it's the "non-food grade" type...?
Thats my mistake Fred. We use both at work and I forgot which one I had. I feel the non food grade works a little better,
Gregg.
I quite like your sense of humour, I rant and rave quite a lot myself.
Thanks Sam ! Keeps you sane with a little rant now and then!
Gregg :-)
Im only starting out in model railways but this is great, a brilliant video which really helps with trying to understand how things work and what not to do, and really entertaining too. Best wishes Gregg from the UK 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you CAptain! Glad you liked the video and got some tips !
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Thanks Gregg - I’ve got hold of some Inox and it’s excellent. I found a loco from a failed attempt to start modelling trains about 20 years ago. It wouldn’t work at all in the beginning, having not been used for so long. However, a bit of Inox on the track, and some on the wheels and it’s back to life! It’s a great recommendation. Thanks for the reply and posting the videos 👍🏼
CRC 2~26 works for me. Keep on ranting as much as you like. It’s all educational to me 👍🏻
Thank you Lance ! Always something new to learn in this hobby..even for a oldie like me.
Cheers Gregg.
CRC 2-26, top-notch stuff, works better than anything I've tried. The effect lasts for months. It's made for electrical switches.
Crow T. Robot so CRC 2-26 sounds like it’s a popular choice any issues if u get some on a loco?, any experience with CRC QD contact cleaner? CRC specify it’s made to work with sensitive plastics. Many thanks
@@roydom5 CRC 2-26 does not harm plastics. It is more than a cleaner. it leaves a dry, conducting, corrosion-inhibiting coat. Never used the contact cleaner, but any CRC product should be good. My experience with their 2-26 has been the best of anything I've tried by far.
@@roydom5 I would stay away from contact cleaner roydom and go with the Innox or CRC2-26 as you say !
Gregg :-)
What about 5 percent white vinegar soaking for 24 hours and then neutralize the acid and dry the tracks in an oven?
I second this question. I have no experience in modal railroading, but I have my grandfather's old Lionel set. Many of the tracks don't need a simply "cleaning", but instead need to be completely restored. I understand that you shouldn't routinely clean with water or anything containing water, but how do you rehabilitate very old tracks? I've seen other videos that explain how to remove the rust with vinegar and then dehydrate in the oven for an hour. Is this a really bad idea too?
"Rat piss is a good insulator" hahaha!!! Great video!
Thanks David!
Gregg :-)
"I think I need a cup of tea" I think that we all do after watching your video!!! - A very funny video - thank you - it made me laugh - I'm going to tell my friends on the Hornby Forum about this!!! (I'm from England)
Thanks Jimmy! I think we all need a laugh and a dose of reality these days! Don't forget about the issue with traction tyres..they don't like these sprays!
Cheers Gregg.
And DO NOT put automatic transmission fluid on your track !
Absolutely !!! I remember when that was a "thing" ??? And brake fluid too!!! What were people thinking..LOL.
Thanks for watching Otto.
Gregg.
When I used it, trains ran remarkably better. Saying do not doesn't offer any reason why.
I've used it and not any trouble with it. Cleans the track and drys quickly. Please explain your statement.
@@gkoproske The main reason Glen, is that these lubricants are not designed for electrical circuits and can damage some plastics, but if you get the results you're after then keep using them.
Cheers Gregg.
I couldn't believe people put automatic transmission fluid on their tracks, but faced with serious conductivity issues, I started using it on a small scale over a year ago. My experiences didn't match much of what I read; in very small amounts carefully spread it pulls the dirt off locomotives, rolling stock and track and leaves it in a few small oily black blobs that can be wiped up with a cloth very quickly; its prime advantage is that locos can be cleaned while in motion without having to remove them from the track. No adverse affects detected in 18 months but I'm careful not to get any on plastic sleepers.
Hi Gregg. I am making a video on this subject and I would like to reference your video . I would like to use a 2 second clip of you saying "DON'T DO IT!" to emphasize the same point in my video. May I have your permssion to use this clip in this way? I will, of course, link your video in the description of my video as well. I understand if you take this comment down after responding. Please let me know. Thanks, Ron.
Hi ROn,
More than happy to let you use a bit of the video! I have left you a message via Messenger. Thanks for helping to spread the love..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
Big thank you from the UK mate👍 Bought some Inox and boy does it work. Cleaned my track then applied the Inox as you showed and I could see the results straight away. Cheers again Gregg.
Hi Ron , you're welcome sir! That's great that you got the results I promised ..LOL. It will keep removing dirt from your wheels so don't worry if you keep getting black lines on your rags! I think the sales of Inoxx in the UK have gone up a bit since this video!!
Thank you for the feed back and for watching!
Cheers Gregg.
Can you get this in the UK? Where did you purchase bud?
@@shteviemac8310 Lancashire Slot Racing used to stock it !
Please Calm down , your face was almost purple and your eyes were starting to bug out of your head .🤪 I could feel you pointing right at my isopropyl-bottle and willing it to explode . Really have been wondering how to clean tracks better . (the correct way) Thanks for the spanking . I'm new to this hobby , old dogs can learn new tricks .
Right there on the front of the can, non food grade 🤣🤣
You know what I found works the best to clean the track. A dry cotton swap and just lightly run it over the rails you’ll be surprised how much crap it picks up. No water no chemicals just a light rubbing of the rails. That’s it.
Having lots and lots of feeders helps too!
Yes Richard , and with DCC being AC , there is far less voltage drop than with DC!
Thanks for watching.
The ISOPROPYL needs to be 99% - 100% so there is no water in it. Electronics people can get the 100% stuff.
3:58 Lol.
You say to use Inox or "CRC". Well, CRC is a big place. What is the actual chemical in these that makes them work. What sort of CRC product are you endorsing?
CRC 2-26 John. I don't know whats in it , you'd have to look at the MSSD for that. I prefer Inox , but it is a bit hard to get in the US and UK, but it is becoming more popular !
Cheers Gregg.
Found Inox on the huge online store named after a similarly huge river. No worries. Got some 3M 3000 grit paper to go with it. You convinced me to change my wicked ways.
@@johntauxe Thats good John..LOL. Go easy with the grit paper....only use it to repair scratches or remove stubborn dirt! Let me know it it all goes for you!
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms I fear that some damage is already done. The entire layout is made with Walthers Shinohara nickel silver track, and it had not occurred to me that it is of course only nickel plated. There are places where I even took a file to turnouts and crossovers to level them out. As you suggest, the metal file is likely to have deeply scored the head of the rails, and may have removed a good bit of the plating. I think the 3,000 grit will be necessary to smooth all that out. I still need to do ballasting, so we'll do that message job first, then probably clean with 99% isopropyl alcohol then finally get into the groove of using the Inox MX3 for final treatment.
Fortunately, all the track works very well right now electrically, anyway.
It is refreshing hearing from someone who understands electronics and their nature in their natural form. Good job great advice keep up the great work and happy railroading. Tim
Thank you Tim! I guess it comes from a few decades of learning! Thanks for the kind words and for watching.
Cheers Gregg.
Like everyone else here I loved this and immediately subscribed and gave a thumbs up. See you on the next one!
Oh, and you look like a Mitchell, (one of whom I am)
Can I use WD-40? I really need to clean my track...
believe at one. time you had told me that WD-40 was the same as inox, have used it for years.You were right, works great. Thank you Gregg, love your videos , be safe
Thats great Joe! It is similar , but if you can get Innox it is a bit more suited to our needs. But WD-40 is fine and I'm glad you are getting good results and thanks for the feedback.
Cheers Gregg.
Joe, How much WD 40 do you use? Do you use anything in addition to the WD 40? Have you also discarded your "Bright-Boy"? Do you use a track cleaning car?
I've been using lens cleaner and lens cleaning paper made by companies like Zeiss and Lenscrafters. Because these are made for precision optics in things like $100,000 microscopes, they absolutely have to leave no residue whatsoever, be non abrasive, and be safe for a wide variety of materials.
Excellent information Greg. A very entertaining and informative video. Yes i have to agree that it is most upsetting and frustrating when somebody else's layout has this problem of stalling, let alone on your own layout.
Enjoy all your videos, keep them coming.
Cheers
Anthony Smithson.
Thank you Anthony! Stalling trains and running at fast speeds are my 2 bug bears...which is why I don't go to train shows!! Glad you enjoy the videos and I appreciate your support.
Gregg:-)
Gregg this is the link to the article in the May 2019 emag model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/36492 l also have a book by Joe called Make it run like a Dream Trackwork Chapter 11 Track Maintenance ISBN 978-1-942932-12-3 I think you can get a download or do what I did order one part of a three book series, l must get the other very concise Neil
Thanks mate , perfect timing for this subject ...
Your'e Welcome Craig!
Cheers Gregg.
Hi it,s Neil schwerdt in west valley city Utah,.will we got the system running now .
The DB 210 do not work it was new so now I've got to send it back to digatrack to be fixed.
Hope you are well and trying to play train,s .
Oh is the house you are buying or building going ?
Will you take care of your self from Neil
Oh I forgot my wife's father use to call RP 7 or WD 40 Tigers Piss LOL
Well I know rat pee is a great insulator..LOL
what about 99% isopropyl alcohol used for ultrasonic circuit board cleaners? I have two bottles of the stuff made by Belle chemical.
Any IPA is not suitable for long term track cleaning. The IPA used in PCB 's , is there to clean the board of grease and debris, not to clean the conductive parts of the circuit. Read the comments below from the many who have had issues with IPA, especially after long term use. Get a can of CRC or INox and see the difference.
Cheers Gregg.
Hahahhaa i loved it Gregg! I definitely be using that stuff.
Thanks for watching Sir! Give it a try.
Gregg :-)
The rant against pure IPA makes no sense at all. If you use 99.9% the residues are negligible, and much less than a contact cleaner, which as you say is non-conductive. What do you mean by ‘clean but non-conductive’? By ‘clean’ do you include free of residues but still covered by a non-conductive layer of oxidation? If so, what is in Inox etc that removes oxidation? Presumably it is an acid or solvent of some kind. Best to know what it is exactly. Many proprietary contact cleaners ultimately do damage.
Keep ranting mate, love it. Thanks for the inox tip, I'm planning to give it a crack this weekend when I clean track. Cheers Gregg and keep up the good work.
Thanks Nick! Let me know how you get on!
CHeers Gregg.
Gregg, very useful video. I would never have guessed that about rodent excrement! Love your sense of humor. Kennedy
LOL...Yes stops trains in their tracks!!
Glad you liked the video Kennedy.
Cheers Gregg.
When I was about 8 or 9 years old cleaned my American double set of tracks with steel wool. Got the track very shiny. My dad had to take both engines apart to remove tons of little pieces if steel wool. After that he purchased an American Flyer track cleaning car that think used a purp!e color fluid. A few years later he purchased me a 140 watt Weller soldering gun and I soldered all the tracks together then ran a file over joints. Also soldered wires every three foot of track and trains never slowed up at furtest point of where transformers were connected. When my oldest son was around 8 years old I reworked the old platform even I stalling rubber road bed. Had lights inside all of the buikdjngs. He ran the two trains no more then 5 minutes then maybe a minute the next day. He told me he rather play with vidio games. A few years later neither one of my brothers wanted the trains so I sold them.
WD-40 on a clean rag works too.
Glad you got some good results Scott!
Thanks for watching!
Gregg.
Been back in trains about a year. Used WD-40 the first time my track was dirty. It worked so well I have been using it ever since. Have a blessed day.
As we don't have Inox Mx3 here in Sweden, I thank you for your advice on using WD-40 instead!
Hi it's Neil schwerdt in west valley city Utah I have sad news the MRL has gone bye bye.
BNSF just bought the MRL today
Loved this video! Keep on ranting!
Always! Thanks Deryk!
Nearly 99% of all liquids contain water or it would be a powder or crystalline substance (190 proof is high as it gets as 10% must be water for Alcohol or the sugar crystallizes, sorry for those that think 200 proof is a thing, it is not) so the water rant I assume was a bullshit joke, if not then I'm scared lol
Great rant gregg. But one slight error, that version of "Inox" is the non-food grade type.
But keep up the good work and rants!
Thanks ! I didn't realise I grabbed the wrong can...we use both at work . My Bad ..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Although I'm sure that can was purchased legitimately by you.
@@CompositeStaff Thats funny right there!!
Great Australian stuff isn't it?
Any idea where I can found INOX MX3 in Europe......................for a +/- reasonable price?
Yes it is Bernard! I know you can get it in the UK , but don't know about EU?
Gregg .
Hi I don't have those (Inox and crc 2 26) available in my country, can i use any other contact cleaner or can anyone suggest something else? Thanks!
my code 100 has been cleaned with 80 grit emery for the last 40 years ! never had a problem other than it's now code 65. ;)
Thanks, great video, needed my Australian audio program translator though... My Dad said he never Understood the buggers in Korea in 1951...seems they all went around saying "Whacko Bluey" or something like that...LOL nothing really changes, eh? (PS hey also said they didn't like the cold-imagine that!)
Thanks Ken! That sounds like the guys back in the 50's..LOL They probably said "she'll be right mate" also !
Cheers Gregg.
My Friend uses a Bright Boy and does the Trick. I Basically use sand Paper 150 Grade.
After a lot of years in the hobby the best cleaner is water with a dash of detergent and meths applied with a wagon
equipted with an applicator system followed by a wiper pad arrangement made of kid leather as a wiper off. If your track
ever shows a grey residue your track is filthy. Totally clean track provides better electrical and climbing ability on grades and
wheels do not 'gum' up because there is no contaminants on 'clean' track. Logical really!
If you have been using oils and other such things for track cleaning a sparing application of kerosine will get your track prepared quicker for my method to be effective.
Here endith the lesson!
Hi, unsure about which CRC you are referring to. I found CRC which contains tetrachloroethylene which in some states is considered carcinogenic… maybe someone can clarify - thanks. Ps - great video!!!
Thanks Rando! The CRC is 2-26. But you can get Inox on the net from Amazon I think?.
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms excellent - thank you
ua-cam.com/video/4o2wUa6wxck/v-deo.html the layout in this link was 5 scale miles long and we only used isopropyl alcohol to clean it a couple times a year and never had stalling trains due to bad contact. I'm not saying your wrong, I'm merely stating we at the club did not experience anything but clean track that worked well on the layout. It was dcc.
Have you ever experienced glue on your Wagon or train ? I did a screen on my collection and found dried residue and would like to know what gets glue off painted plastic ? I tried Natural remedies like White vinegar and cooking oil tho it only removed small amount. Thank you
I wonder if my face turns that red while I'm RANTING at idiot car drivers! DAMN! So I guess I'm throwing the Bright boy away when I find it! You would think people from Walthers would know about cleaning track but I guess not!
LOL...thinking back to my 9 yrs behind the wheel...I don't think I got that upset too often...I was enjoying driving too much! Plus you have a lot of weight behind you , so keeping your temper is a help! Yes , bin the brightboy if you find it! Old habits die hard and there are a few out there but I stopped using mine when I was 15 , as I could see the damage it was doing to the rails!
Stay safe and thanks for watching!
Gregg.
You can get Isopropyl alcohol in 99%. Everclear is the easiest high grade alcohol for cleaning, and it has other uses:)
Dose vinegar work to clean the track?
No it does not! it WILL clean the dirt off , but vinegar is a mild acid which will do more harm than good to your rails! Best to stick with products that are made to clean electrical surfaces.
Gregg :-)
@@FishplateFilms thank u
the point you make track rubbers is just plain wrong, not only did you demonstrate on a much rougher surface than brass thus creating much more dust, but you also rubbed it way more than you would rub a piece of track, not to mention you are only rubbing a very thin surface.
I have cleaned track with the eraser for years or have used old clean white socks or shop rags soaked in Alcohol for years also and the track is clean. You have to keep cleaning your rails anyway as you run your trains. Never use steel wool. Use Scotch brites to clean tracks also, I never had any problems these methods in 50 years!
Chadwick model railway brought me here. 😂😂😂 what a great video 👌. Inox ordered. Track rubber binned!!!
LOL...well I need to thank Charlie for another view! Let me know how you get on Richie , when you try the Inox.
Thanks and cheers,
Gregg.
Omg I almost wet my pants 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂🤪🤪🤪😜😜
Great stuff Greg, just found this. Good method and good knowledge. Now, what about cleaning loco wheels?? I've got a Tidy Track wheel cleaner and it's CRAP!
Thank you Darren! Glad you enjoyed it and found it useful! I see you already know how to clean your wheels now , so get some INOX and let me know how it goes for you. Just remember a little on a rag goes a long way.
Cheers Gregg.
What a great tip. Was using a rubber and things were getting worse, my switchers kept needing bigger and bigger push starts every time I made a move. Now I understand why. Made the switch as you suggested and everything is like new, my engine runs so smoothly now, thanks!!!
Thanks Michael! This is what I like to hear! Just remember to go and clean up all the rubber dust with a vacuum and little brush..especially in the frogs and switch points! It's great to see trains running how they should and I'm glad you are happy with the results.
Cheers Gregg.
Hey Mate, over the pond in NZ I’ve never seen that product, what about Meths? Would that be a good cleaner?
Thanks
-Sam
Hi Sam, I assume you mean "metho" or Methylated spirits? This will clean vry well, but will also leave the track "sterile" , lile IPA , and cause oxidation in the long run. If you can't get Inox, the CRC 2-26 is a good alternative.
Cheers and thanks for watching.
Gregg.
A question. Electrical knowledge has never lodged itself in my brain so I am a little confused by one point. The wheels need to conduct the current from the track. Then you say that Inox is not conductive. Now being a complete idiot with electrics I would have thought you would have wanted to put on something that was conductive. What is the error in my logic?
No , you're not an idiot..LOL It is a bit confusing ! Sprays like innox help remove the dirt and oxidation that inhibit current flow , and keep the "surface" more conductive. SO they are like cleaners for electricity..it is a bit of a "black art" !
Hope this helps.
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Thanks for the reply. It didn't make total sense so I watched the video again and things began to drop into place. I have found a supplier here in England and am giving it a try, having put the Isopropyl bottle aside.
only 94k views!?!!??!?!?... this information is 100% GOLD for a model railroader... this vid should have no less than 1million views within model railroad circles... i still see folks using alcohol and something called no-ox and other junk... wake up you sleeping model railroaders... the only thing you need is CRC 2-26... home depot has it a few bucks a can... get it... use it... it WORKS
Thank you! I wish it had more views...but I'm rubbing some people, with old views, up the wrong way and they don't like it..LOL. The good thing is that many modellers have tried Inox or CRC and can't believe the difference it has made...so I'm happy with that!
Tell your friends to come and watch the video!
Cheers Gregg.
How have I been so stupid for so long! Just returned to the hobby after a few stop starts since teenage years and always used track rubber…I could never understand why things kept getting worse! I’m now back going TT120 following Hornby’s new range, the Peco track is down and it’s great but it tarnished very quickly … the Inox MX3 is on order and the track rubber will serve as a reminder of taking my engineers hat off when playing with my trains! Thanks for the wake up call!
We all did it Matthew! But now you know and let me know how it works for you. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Gregg.
You are the craziest, funniest guy I've ever watched on youtube, Excellent presentation, very knowledgeable, I agree, Inox is the best! in the UK it's on ebay and amazon.Thanks for a brilliant, totally politically incorrect, but hilariously funny presentation, by the way, what is politically incorrect anyway? Oh yes, that's when we do what we like and say what we like and stick it up the governments arse! I love you Aussies, say it how it is mate, more power to your elbow!
What about locos with traction tyres?
Subbed Marietta, Ga. USA. Thanks for the tips! N Scale modeler here.
My pleasure Lance! Give it a go and let me know how it goes! You won't need much at all for N scale!
Cheers Gregg.
INOX is Non-Conductive ~ Read the lable!!. Most modellers that use isopropyl alcohol use 100% which has no water ~ not 70% as you mentioned. Many nmra modellers use 100% isopropyl alcohol on cork to rub the rails which is non-abrasive. Times change over 40 years. Loco wheels are usually cleaned with metho rolling on a static jig. It's evident from your video and language used you're an absolute lunatic that's just out to score a few views. If you add certain solutions like INOX MX4 LANOX and other solutions to a grade you will get wheel slip ~ something you haven't discovered yet. Better a dry track where a single HO scale UGL C44ACi can haul a 30+ train up a 3% grade constant with ease. Put some solution on the track and you will get wheel slip!!! It's not 'rocket science'.. a NCE DCC user ~ say no more!
I think you need to listen better...I did say it is non -conductive and IPA, even 99% , leaves a powdery residue when it dries..do a test for yourself! I also state that if you have traction tyres, then a wet cleaner my not be the best option. As for traction, why would I wan't to pull 30 cars with one loco...and 3% grades are too steep anyway. Try watching some of my videos and you will see long trains climbing the helix with no problems. I never clean loco or rolling stock wheels , s they don't get dirty in the first place , as the dirt is collected and cleaned off with track cleaning. As for your comment on NCE ....Say no more!
Gregg.
Have not seen this product in Canada or U.S. Hobby suppliers. There is a very effective track cleaning product available, ACT-6006, sold by Aero Car Hobby Lubricants, (aerocarlubricants.com or achlubes.com). I believe it is non-petroleum based.
Yes , this has been suggested by others so It must be very similar!
Cheers Gregg.
That was fun! And I learned something useful! Thanks!! ....Claude
You're welcome Claude! Glad you enjoyed it.
Cheers Gregg.
Is there any liquid that we can use to fill one of those CMX tank track-cleaning cars that will work? Thanks.
You can use this or CRC . You can buy these in spray packs or you can spray the can into a jar , but it is a bit wasteful.
Gregg :-)
@@FishplateFilms CRC?
fuck me dead mate that was a great laugh. love it. what are your thoughts on good ol lanolin oil? I've heard its does the same job. non-conductive but lifts crap right out of the way.
Thanks Liam..glad you enjoyed it! I have used "Lanotech" spray as well, and it's the same but is a little sticky. But it seemed to work as good as Inox.
Cheers Gregg.
Hi Mate, love your no B.S. videos. Question what track cleaner do you use to get into tunnels and hard to reach areas of your layout? I'm looking at the Dapol unit - your thoughts.
Thanks David, glad you enjoy the videos! If you go through my layout videos, there are a few on cleaning track in hiddens areas, with an old ROCO cleaning car with a rag & Inox . I do like the Dapol unit, especially for the vacuum feature , were and I think I'll get one for the new layout! The best ever were the "Aztec" cars made in the US, but sadly no more. They were a bit fiddly and not "idiot" proof, but were a fantastic design and I regret not getting one years ago!
A Dapol unit with the cleaning pads with INox would be great for hidden track.
Cheers Gregg,
Never considered CRC before. A friend of mine uses ATF fluid (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Just a very thin layer and he's only cleaned the track twice in 10 years. Don't believe I've ever seen Inox in the states.
It's very popular in the US Justin. ATF is a thing by some people, but I can't recommend it as it is not made for plastics or electrical work. Innox is available in the States apparently?
Thanks for watching.
Gregg.
Nothing wrong with track rubbers. You were using it on wood which is abrasive itself. You don't rub your track like you did the wood. The tracks are thin so not all the rubber is in contact.
The alcohol here in the UK is 99% 1% water, there is 4% water in the air around you, so where is the problem.
If you listen to the video Peter, I used it on wood so you can see the metal particles in the rubber. All track rubbers are abrasive, thats how they work ! SOme more than others with PECO being one of the worst. Also IPA absorbs water through out it's life , and it is a "Polar" structure, which causes oxidation on surfaces. Just read the comments below and see what results people are getting from moving to a proper cleaner for electrical equipment.
Thanks for watching.
Gregg.
well I needed that rant then, because I use the alcohol to clean my tracks.. I know one guy that uses transmission fluid< is that a good thing to use? he swears by it.
CRC, I going to look that up, so you stop yelling at me.
thanks Greg for that info
Thanks Sparky! I had a go at Vinny for using Isoprop' when I was there..even showed him the water content on the bottle! I think he has some CRC now? NO ...transmission fluid is NOT for electrical use !! It's for F^%&ing gearboxes ...LOL . CRC is the go .
Mini Rant over:-)
Gregg.
You scare me with your face when you're trying to tell me about track playing but you're overdoing it you're scaring people
I scare lots of people with my face Jerry!
Don`t worry about replying about my question as I have just seen your video of the 13th April 2020. However do you know of any product similar to Inox that wont bugger up traction tyres. Cheers Greg from Australia
Hi Greg, It is the "wet" that the tyres don't like , and it is the same with other liquids as well. You could try a lanolin spray , like "Lannotech: as it does the same as Innox , but dries out more.
Other than that you are back to dry cleaning I'm afraid?
Gregg.
Just bought a can of Inox at my local Ace Hardware. It works! God Bless Australian ingenuity.
Thats great Ron! Just a little now and then on different parts of the layout, and it will remove the dirt from the wheels too! The rag will usually get black strips from the rails, this is the dirt being removed from wheels so don't think the track is always dirty!
Thanks for the feedback :-)
Gregg .
Hi watched your video in the uk with much interest. Inox is not available here. I’ve seen quoted Crc 2-21 as being the same but not sure.
I’ve also noticed that inox is a lubricant, how does it affect steam locos with traction tyres ?
Take on board track rubbbers are a no no dcc do a much finer rubber.
Would be great Greg if you could answer as I know others are showing interest in the uk.
Hi Derek, Thanks for watching and I have had a lot of interest from the UK and you can get INOX from Pendle Slot racing in Lancashire , believe it or not! I'm afraid it does make traction tyres slip on the slick rails. I've not heard of 2-21, but CRC 2-26 is similar to Inox. If you only use a little of the spray and wipe the rails wth a dry rag you should be ok? See Charlie at Chadwick model railway channel , as he uses INox and may have a better idea. .
Cheers Gregg.
A very informative video thank you, but don't demean yourself by swearing and blasphemy, it spoils an otherwise, great video.
Thanks for watching and I appreciate the comeents.
CHeers Gregg.
Does anyone use Green Scotchbrite pads on their tin plate track or is that a Bloody Aussie No-no?
Get some Inox or CRC electronics cleaner without Silicon and a soft clean rag. Great advice and a good Rant!!!
Thanks Dave! I think you'd still be better off with some very fine wet/dry paper and some inox!
Cheers Gregg.
Isopropyl Alcohol Is For Your Track 6:15
this For BNSF 7:33
INOX is for Australia 8:40
This is for North America INOX 10:02
It’s for Amtrak Trains 5:14
I am a hornby virgin just starting out bought a few trains and train sets of eBay. And I get free wood so I am going to build a track from scratch in half of my front room. All the info you give out to all, I just bought inox mx3 via good old eBay. Happy tracking and choo choo. From uk
Thanks John! Good luck with it and I'm sure Inox will help keep your trains running well!
Cheers Gregg .
Your about ignorant
Hi i receive the Inox but i wish understand better how to use it.
1) clean track with clean cloth string and inox
2) clean track with clean cloth string but second way to remove the inox that appear like oil on skin. ?
little scared for this oil effect ...
Do you use it rubber wheels applied on the loco ?
Any help is really appreciate
Hi Stefano , Yes , you have it the correct way! Use only a little on the rag / cloth , you do not need very much at all! If you have traction tyres /rubber wheels, you you have to be careful , as the INOX or CRC will make the rubber slip on the rails!
Try using very small amount , but if you get wheelslip , then you can stop using the INOX or CRC , and the rubber wheels/ traction tyres will dry out after running for a while.
Traction tyres are a pain , luckily I don't use them .
Cheers and good luck.
Gregg.
Thanks for the advices, I used to clean with alcohol, I wont do it anymore, I had so many stops,and I blamed my locomotives all along for it, not INOX but I tried WD-40, they never worked better, speaking of locomotives, should I clean wheels the same way?
You're welcome Etienne! It is funny how many people have the same story as you , but I'm glad you tried a spray and it works well for you! Yes clean your wheels the same way !
Thanks for watching!
Gregg.
Be Warned About this Rant For video 2:13
Just setting up a new layout with fresh track, and thrilled to find out we have INOX MX3 over here. Ah, going to give it a try. Thanks!
Thats great Richard! You only need a little , so it lasts forever!
Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
Gregg.
Here in Malta we haven't got Inox , so is WD40 ok? I do really appreciate if you answer me back
You can use it , but CRC 6-26 is better . WD40 is not really made for electrical components, and is more oil based. Get CRC if you can!
CHeers Gregg.
What about 99.5% Isopropyl? Not much water in that.
Not at the start, but IPA absorbs water , and will continue to get "wetter" as it ages. Also it causes oxidation on the rails.
Gregg.:_)
Great video Gregg, love the rants. Just ordered some CRC 2-26. Ive been pretty fortunate on my track staying fairly clean but it is due and I am staying away from the IPA. - Steve
Thanks Steve! Just use a little and you will see the difference! Glad you liked the video and keep the IPA away from your rails!
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms thanks again Gregg. Can’t wait to try it when it arrives. I’ve got a hidden reversing loop that will eventually be very difficult to clean once scenery is complete. If I can have the trains clean most of it for me - problem solved! - Steve