[GMCAMARO]

Hello everyone. I am a newbie here, I recently went back to model training after a long absence. My train is in the air, it is a G Scale USA train kit. With about 36 feet of track. My problem and question is how often should, I expect to clean the track. Currently I am forced to clean it daily. My area is not that dirty.

 

[Boston&Maine]

Welcome

Cleaning the track everyday is way to often... Imagine if you had a huge layout, you would end up spending more time cleaning the track then manning the locomotives

You say "forced"... Does this mean that you can not get the engine to run without cleaning the track everytime before you use it?

 

[GMCAMARO]

Welcome

Cleaning the track everyday is way to often... Imagine if you had a huge layout, you would end up spending more time cleaning the track then manning the locomotives

You say "forced"... Does this mean that you can not get the engine to run without cleaning the track everytime before you use it?

I can use the train. The lights will flicker and it will stop in a dirty location.

 

[paceway]

Welcome... If your rolling stock has plastic wheels that can cause a problem like that. They pick up lots of dirt and transfer it to the track. If so try replacing them with metal wheels. I know they are expensive, maybe refit a few cars at a time and see if that improves the problem.

My best suggestion.

 

[tworail]

Hello everyone. I am a newbie here, I recently went back to model training after a long absence. My train is in the air, it is a G Scale USA train kit. With about 36 feet of track. My problem and question is how often should, I expect to clean the track. Currently I am forced to clean it daily. My area is not that dirty.

Some manufacturers are notorious for having poor electrical connections and poor performance with dirty tracks. I have a lot of large scale trains but don't have this problem, so keep the following in mind:

- Check all locomotive wheels for any dirt or grime. Also check the pick up skates if there are any.
- Do you have a cleaning block for the track? If not, use some find emery paper and give the track a good cleaning. If you have not cleaned it properly the brass will continue to oxidize and make it difficult for electrical connectivity to take place. The rails should be very shiny after this and gleam in the light.
- Get a track cleaning car from Aristocraft or LGB and run it in your trains every now and then.
- Use battery power
- Use steam power

Also, please post some pictures of your setup!!!!