How To Clean N Scale Track and Trains

How To Clean N Scale Track and Trains

[@organman52]

I can't imagine a better explanation on track and wheel cleaning. GREAT video. I especially like your advice about simply replacing the wheels.

[@N-Scale]

Thanks so much , Mike

[@michaelmorgan7893]

I'm with you on the Goo Gone. I had a friend who used Goo Gone on our H.O. gage layout, and over time, that Goo Gone softened the plastic "spike heads" on our track, causing several places to go out of gage near turnouts and curves.

[@N-Scale]

Alcohol cleans with no residue !!

[@RWSBaden]

Hi Mike, The Woodland Scenics Tidy Track cleaner pads that look like Velcro are to be used for heavy cleaning. They are labeled Scrubbing pads, the light colored pads are for general cleaning.
For hand cleaning I really like the Walthers CRATEX block (Part No. 949-522)
For track cleaning cars, the Centerline Products Model #2 track cleaning car (modified) works best for my layout. I've modified my Centerline Products model #2 car to accept a square piece of a bright boy, instead of using the supplied roller and handy wipes. I then run the car like any other track cleaning car and allow it to gently scrub the rail heads.
Just a few tips that work on my layout. Another nice video Mike, thanks for posting it. Rich S.

[@mikefifer6111]

Rich , Maybe you could do a write-up on the centerline mod and I could post it on the How Too page.
Mike

[@maxheadroom7687]

Great video Mike, really explained the options so well, made a ton of sense. Keep up the great work.

[@mikefifer6111]

Thanks so much Stephen, Mike

[@GlennGinsburg]

Thanks Mike always enjoy your videos because they very informative for a newbie like myself

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

Thanks Glenn , and glad to help.
Mike

[@orangemanonsteroids8569]

Thanks for the video. Just getting back into the hobby after 40 years. It has changed so much. I'm actually lost. I grew up with HO but about a year ago I came across a great deal on about 20 N Scale engines. track ( Bach man). And and assortment of buildings total actual value was about $2000.00 i picked it up for about $1000.00. So I'm having to relearn again I'm not sure how far I want to go. I keep imagining a great John Allen concept but keep losing interest after a few days.
If I decide to ever go HO Im going to buy one of those wooden sheds and insulate it, get some kind of ac and heat system to help keep the air inside from getting too humid.

[@N-Scale]

Above all , Have fun.
PS , do NOT use the bachmann track, the turnouts are problematic.

[@randybryson5519]

Once again, you’ve saved my bacon, 5 yrs later. Thx

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Randy , glad to help !!!

[@elleryparsons2433]

This Video Rocks👍👍👍👍.

[@nscaleusa1832]

Great Video!

[@N-Scale]

Thanks , Mike

[@mrradiocontrol3523]

Great Video this helped me out a lot 👍 😀

[@N-Scale]

Thanks , Mike

[@mikerossscuba]

Dear Mike:
Great informative vid! My MT plastic wheels pick up dirt which sticks to them like crazy, so I went with mostly BLMA (and also FVM and Athearn) metal wheel sets. What a difference! The guys who claim that they don't get crud on their plastic wheels must all be in a sealed room like yours. Most of us mortals must use a garage or room with other uses, creating a dust problem. I find the metal wheel sets tack better, sound better, look better, and pick up much less crud than plastic. Jus' sayin'.... Unfortunately, BLMA recently got bought up by Atlas, and those superb wheel sets are no longer available (creating a nation-wide stampede to gobble up any remaining BLMA sets still in stock.)

[@N-Scale]

I have a feeling Atlas will , at some point , resume production of the sets.
Mike

[@colinmansell3524]

Well Well. Mike thank you for a great educational video. I will certainly watch this again when I am ready. If I cannot find it I will email you for the advice or video. Thanks again.

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Collin, This is the way I now do it as opposed to the orig. video I did.
Thanks , Mike

[@pianoart1505]

love the way you go into details

[@ikeremanuel9005]

pro trick: watch series on flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching all kinds of movies recently.

[@leeford5492]

@Iker Emanuel Definitely, have been using flixzone} for since november myself =)

[@mikevervynck9358]

That was very helpful now I know what to do because I'm just starting n scale

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Mike , Glad to help

[@mikevervynck9358]

I subscribe to your channel because you got some helpful tips and I like getting ideas to

[@N-Scale]

@@mikevervynck9358 Thanks Mike and look under Mike Fifer for my other channel and our store site here.
www.fiferhobby.com/

[@mgamga9476]

Thanks for all the help on youtube. When you say sandpaper. What grit is safe for N scale track?

[@N-Scale]

Can you be more spacific in the video???

[@aaronrooney6559]

Again Mike, great video! Thank you!

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Aaron, Mike

[@wa4mthwa4mth]

Thanks Mike. Glad to see an update on this chanel. I watched your main chanel also. I enjoyed the KC n scale convention video and the rail watching of the BNSF. Keep up the great work.

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

Thanks Mark, Glad to have you following along.
Mike

[@CarmineRC]

Hi Mike!
The CMX is too rich for my blood, but I may have to take a better look at the Woodland Scenics, both the wheel cleaner and track cleaner!
I've been spoiled with Keep-Alive on all of my locomotives, and got lax about track cleaning...
But I forgot about the gunk on the rolling stock wheels.
It's easy to get complacent with technology...
Good video.

[@mikefifer6111]

Thanks Carmine Hope you guys are well.
Mike

[@CarmineRC]

Thanks Mike. We're OK....
Have a problem that only a fellow southwesterner can understand.
OUR A/C IS OUT!! Of COURSE, a part that had to be ordered! Hopefully soon.....TODAY would be great. :*O
I'm worried about my Layout. It's never been below 68 degrees, and never ABOVE 73.....
It's foam over wood. I'm HOPING that will keep the track from contorting!!
I hope you and Robin, and Gavin, are well.

[@mikefifer6111]

Hope you get the part soon! You could always go back to whetted burlap over the doors and windows!! LOL Mike

[@CarmineRC]

+Mike Fifer Thank God for speedy delivery!!!
We got it running last night, and it's almost normal now...
The BEST part - NO track bends or kinks!!! That's an amazing testimony to the use of extruded Styrofoam base & subroadbed!!
}:‹D
We did OK too. lol
We DID resort to damp towels over fans... didn't have any burlap. :P

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

Glad you are back in business.
Mike

[@elleryparsons5766]

I do find it Useful.and I remember it well.

[@markhayes6407]

Not all metal wheels will fit on all trucks. i agree that if they come with them leave them on but plastic is definitely the way to go Most plastic wheels fit most cars. especially microtrains. thanks for all the great cleaning tips.

[@N-Scale]

When replacing wheel sets , plastic or metal, you need to know the actual axle length of the original set to get the proper fit.
Mike

[@markhayes6407]

That has stopped me from replacing some as I feel they may run smoother with the exception of microtrains that always runs great right out of the box. I must purchase a micrometer to register the axle sizes.

[@N-Scale]

Try Harbor Freight.
Mike

[@wendellcamp6233]

Mike I have a CMX when I first use it I marked the top of the needle valve and on the tank with a pencil so I can set the drip the same each time

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

That bis a good Idea but we close ours completely when not in use and have to unscrew it many turns.
Good idea though.
Mike

[@wendellcamp6233]

N Scale Model Trains How To Channel Mike I close the and the vent and the needle valve when not in use. I open the the vent then line up the marks on the needle valve and tank .I my case about a half turn on the needle valae to get the drop rate I want so I can set the drip the same each time

[@N-Scale]

Cool , Mike

[@patbojalil4454]

Dear Mike.
many thanks for the education.
question:
Could you please tell me about your pine trees,did you make them?Thank you Sir.

[@N-Scale]

I did not make them , I got them on Ebay and the man is no longer selling them.
Mike

[@patbojalil4454]

Thank you Mike.
I always look forward to enjoying your expert advice.Happy railroading from Canada.

[@N-Scale]

@@patbojalil4454 Thanks Pat Eah.

[@elleryparsons2433]

I Would Love To get that For N Scale And Ho.

[@markhayes6407]

I like the erasers on the stick. Bridges are the hardest and that should help me. Thanks.

[@N-Scale]

They work very well.
Thanks , Mike

[@markhayes6407]

I have a lot of bridges on my layout and up to now it's been a pain keeping the tracks clean. My layout is indoors away from outside dirt like a garage but close to a kitchen that cooking smoke sometimes reaches it causing buildup. I intend to use your method very soon.

[@bbrockRailFan]

I agree with you on Goo-Gone 100%

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Mike. I'm new to your channel and I do realise that this video is almost 5 years old. I don't know about the US, but these days rolling stock pretty much all come with metal wheels. Something that I have wondered about track cleaning cars: why are they always pulled; my logic says push them around the track and the loco's wheels then run on clean track! It may make little or no difference, but I just wondered...

[@N-Scale]

While I do push my CMX car they are WAY more prone to derailing in an unwanted spot by pushing.
Thanks , Mike

[@penjjd_0459]

About the rubber on wheels to make a traction.is there any negative effect using that kind of item?.specialy on my tomix ef210 and de10 train?thank you

[@N-Scale]

Never use a brush on traction tires. I do not buy any locos with traction tires.
Thanks , Mike

[@glenwilliams1888]

Good info Mike as usual

[@mikefifer6111]

Thanks Glen , Mike

[@FoamySoaps]

Loving your videos. I think it would be helpful if you could just name the products you mention in the description though. Would help me look for it myself!

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

fiferhobbysu770.corecommerce.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=13689
fiferhobbysu770.corecommerce.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=16740
www.fiferhobby.com/track-cleaners-and-track-cleaning-supplies/

[@FoamySoaps]

Wow that was a fast reply. Thank-you!

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

Thanks for following along.
Mike

[@Gavs_rc_hobbies]

I may have to get both a Trix and Woodland Scenics for my locomotives. I just hope my Bachmann EM1 steam locomotive will fit on the Woodland Scenics cleaner.

[@N-Scale]

I do not think it will but not sure.
Mike

[@tankscrittersandurbanhomes5579]

I simply can't justify $150-$200 for a track cleaner car. I've created the same thing for about $30. 2 trucks, a syringe for children's medicine, 2 large nuts, 2 click style pen springs 2 nails and a pad. Use your imagination on getting it put together and getting the alcohol to drip. We all just watched how the cmx works.

[@MrRenoman2011]

Thanks very good video

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

Thanks so much Ron , Mike

[@sparky107107]

thanks Mike, I didn't know you had a second channel, I subbed to this one also, and, just ordered from walthers a cmx cleaning car, thanks for all the info,

[@N-Scale]

Thanks Sparky, we had the CMX as well.
fiferhobbysu770.corecommerce.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=16261
Mike

[@sparky107107]

you deal with all N scale stuff from your store? don't you? so I didn't even think of checking your shop for HO scale, sorry,

[@N-Scale]

Yep we are only N Scale.
Thanks , Mike

[@ZanesTrains1972]

Mike Fifer I thought you were only n scale. Now I know for a fact thanks dave for bringing it up thanks mike for the reply and video.

[@N-Scale]

Thanks , Mike
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Mike & Robin

[@scotthayes5933]

What would really be effective is to have the CMX car and the Tomix car work in concert. The Tomix car would vacuum up the loose debris while the CMX car would clean the rails.

[@N-Scale]

We use that method at our club.

[@jimmyk5223]

I'm new to n scale. What code track should use. Code 80 or 55 ? I heard 55 is more realistic but?? Would I be better with code 80...

[@N-Scale]

That would be your decision but I would go 80 as ANYTHING will run on it.
Mike

[@jimmyk5223]

@@N-Scale . I agree anything will run it....Code 80 it is. Thank you. Lov all the videos. I'm learning alot....

[@nozet3113]

Very interesting Video. Could you tell me what will be with the adhesive tyres by using the Trix/Märklin wheelcleaner. I think they must be damaged by using it often?

[@N-Scale]

Never use the trix cleaner with traction tires. I make it a habit not to own anything that needs traction tires.
Thanks , Mike

[@nozet3113]

Ok,thanks for the information. Wonder why they sell that for their own lokos. They all have traction tires.

[@N-Scale]

Not sure who you are referring to but some steam locos have tires because they do not weigh enough to pull much.
You really can not use the Trix on any steam anyway. I have used the Trix for years with no ill effect. If it make one nervous maybe try the Woodland Scenics wheel cleaner.
Thanks , Mike

[@scotthayes5933]

I've had to replace wheels on rolling stock before, now I have some cars with both metal and plastic wheels.

[@MichaelDouglasSkewes]

Very good!

[@N-Scale]

Thanks , Mike

[@scotthayes5933]

Would the Trix or Woodland Scenics wheel cleaners work on a GG1?

[@N-Scale]

Trix , No , Woodland would carefully as the GG1 has traction tires.
Thanks , Mike

[@cudgee7144]

Mike, been reading up on some sites and forums about lightly applying graphite to n scale tracks to improve conductivity, what are your thoughts on this. Really enjoy your informative videos, cheers.

[@N-Scale]

Never done it but I would not.
Mike

[@brianu3536]

have you done a video on n scale lighted passenger cars? mine flicker and a few barley light. should I clean the axle? or push bar on axle harder? any advice would be appreciated.

[@N-Scale]

Clean the wheels , the track , the axle ends and the axle cups on the trucks. I also solder the light to the pickups.
I assume we are talking Kato here? The track is the biggest offender.
Mike

[@brianu33]

I will try removing wheels and clean cup and axle. I do have 1 more question. I have a 4-8-4 steam engine that suddenly is jerking on track. I cleaned all wheels and track but it still doing it. any thoughts? thank you in advance. I also have a bachmann gandy dancer thst worked fine then just stopped on track and never worked agsin. I thought maybe it was dry and seized.

[@N-Scale]

I do not work on or know much about steam engines. Bachmann has a bad habit of not running.
Sorry , Mike

[@scotthayes5933]

The CMS car looks like a tank car that the cleaning fluid goes in.

[@N-Scale]

Yes we use alcohol

[@brianu33]

Can I ask you a question please? I have a n scale diesel been sitting for 6 months. When I put it on the track it moves very slow and smoke comes out from under it. Can I offer any advice or ideas as to how to correct or what is wrong. Thanks in advance. Brian

[@N-Scale]

If smoke came out it is likely burned up and no longer any good. Who manufactured it?????

[@brianu33]

Mike Fifer it’s a Bachmann with low hours. It does move but very slow. Then smoke comes out within seconds. Could the motor be stuck?

[@N-Scale]

@@brianu33 Bachmann it not known for their longevity. It sounds like something is binding but Bachmann has a warranty, send it back to them.
Thanks , Mike

[@brianu33]

Mike Fifer thank you again for taking the time to answer me. I’ll try to send it back

[@larrybaughman618]

🤠🖐🚂

[@ouachitariverrat]

I have a n scale dc set. can I hook up a dc power pack to ez track and run my dc trains?

[@N-Scale]

Yes you can.
Thanks , Mike

[@elleryparsons5766]

Different Strokes, Different Folks.

[@elleryparsons5766]

To me it sounds funny I take the track apart sand paper every piece of track asemble the the tracks good to go.

[@N-Scale]

Never use sand paper. It is way to harsh in most cases.
Thanks , Mike

[@scotthayes5933]

What would be cool is to run the CMX car and the Tomix car in concert. The Tomix car would vacuum up loose stuff and the CMX car would clean the track with the alcohol. The Tomix car would have to go in the lead with the CMX car behind.

[@N-Scale]

Many have done that and we do it at our club before the state fair

[@scotthayes5933]

@@N-Scale When you can trying making a video of the Tomix car and the CMX car running in concert as a full track cleaning train. That would like awesome!

[@N-Scale]

@@scotthayes5933 I may do that at some point.
Thanks , Mike

[@scotthayes5933]

@@N-Scale I have a Tomix car that I got from Amazon and have uploaded a video of it on a shakedown run, you should check it out. I don't have a CMX car though, Amazon had them at one time but they're no longer in stock.

[@N-Scale]

@@scotthayes5933 We have them in our shop and I did check out your video.
Mike

[@jrdrager]

you should do a video timelapse of you using your cmx and your tomix at the same time

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

I suppose I could have but it is pretty unexciting.
Thanks for taking a look, Mike

[@jrdrager]

+N Scale Model Trains How To Channel that or just cut to some film of it going by while you talk about it like you were doing with the coal drag in the background just to give us viewers something else to look at and break from looking at the same stuff the while video... just some constructive criticism to help with the video editing

[@N-Scale]

Noted brother, Thanks , Mike

[@CSXrailfan814]

I use all metal on pasenger and plastic on frght some metal.

[@N-Scale]

I like that idea.
Mike

[@dacuzzz]

hi Mike.. great info.. what is the cost of the brass car??? thanks for sharing.. vinny

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

Thanks Vinny , they are 148.99. OUCH!
fiferhobbysu770.corecommerce.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=16261

[@dacuzzz]

maybe i can ask Santa to bring one for me...

[@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479]

That guy (or gal) might!
Mike

[@tyhik9338]

What about getting rid of rust and scratches on the trains

[@N-Scale]

Are you talking about Track or train it's self?

[@tyhik9338]

@@N-Scale trains

[@N-Scale]

@@tyhik9338 I have no clue but they should be stored in a place they will not rust and I am not sure what would be rusty on them.

[@ZanesTrains1972]

Slot car trains cleaning lol

[@N-Scale]

Thanks , Mike

[@markhayes6407]

unit weighs one pound according to manufacturer.

[@billzamminer2547]

why don't you glue then toghter

[@N-Scale]

Glue what together??

[@Ramirez241]

item# for Trix wheel brush ? Item 66623 shows N or Z scale

[@N-Scale]

That is correct. That is all we sell.
Mike