[imatt88]

OK all,

This is what I have(so far)

Is it safe to assume that this track is from some kind of set? It is not compatable with the other track I have

This track is brass(?)

This track is the same style, but it is silver/nickel(?) and it is dirty,

track cleaner? missing couplers

rolling stock, bag of trees, and a big bag of telephone poles and signs..

Life-Like transformer, looks like it came with that set..

I set up that track to see what I had. Pretty basic, but its a start.

Most of the regular track is really dirty, a few pieces actually have rust on them, like its been sitting a while. Any suggestions on how to clean it?

Anyway, thats about it. Hope you guys can make heads or tails of this stuff,

Cheers, Ian

 

[subwayaz]

To remove the rust I would try Brasso can be found in any hardware store and Walgreens also probably. Then Iso alcohol with a green scrub pad. nothing harsher than the green pad though, you don't want to scratch the rails.

Off to a nice start:thumbsup:

 

[mr_x_ite_ment]

Ian, it looks like you have a pretty good start there! I have nickel/silver track myself, and as much as possible I think I would try to stick with the nickel/silver. I don't know much about brass, but if I had to guess I would think it would get dirty quicker, and might even be harder to clean. Even the nickel/silver requires a good cleaning every now and then to perform well.

For cleaning, I just use a small block of masonite. It is a softer material that seems to be gentle on the track. For the first cleaning, you might want to run over it by hand, but if it has not been that long since I last cleaned, I just drag a piece under one of my gondola cars with a little weight inside putting "down" pressure on the block of masonite. I hook the gondola up to a locomotive, and it pushes (or pulls) the gondola with the masonite dragging underneath all around the track. This way it is easy to clean in a tunnel or other hard-to-reach areas on the layout. Good luck!

 

[imatt88]

Can I use soap and water to clean the dirt and sticky stuff thats on the tracks?

Cheers, Ian

 

[mr_x_ite_ment]

Ian...I would use a product called "Goo Gone." You can buy it ANYWHERE. Some might say it leaves an oily film, but I have not really found it to be anything detrimental. When I use it to clean my locomotive wheels, they run SO MUCH better! Good luck!

Chad

 

[TulsaFlyer]

The top and bottom pictures are Life-Like Power Loc track. The track itself is steel.
That is the same track I have started using. I really like it even though it is not very scale-like.
You can buy adapters to connect the Power Loc to standard track. I bought a few adapters myself to connect the other track I have. Works great!!

Jody

 

[imatt88]

Jody,

After you connected the two tracks, how did you compensate for sag. Did you use some type of roadbed on the other tracks?

What is the official name of those connectors, so I can go looking for them? I would really like to use all the track I have.

Cheers, Ian

 

[TulsaFlyer]

When I finally get my layout going, I will either find some roadbed or make some (the gap is about 5/16). But for the most part, I'm building some bridges to put the standard track on in between the Power Loc track.

Here's the adapters I have from a good ebay seller.
http://cgi.ebay.com/HO-SCALE-TRAINS...wItemQQptZModel_RR_Trains?hash=item3a572f3dac

Or you can order them from www.walthers.com

I have also found a few other online retailers that sell Life-Like stuff.


Jody

p.s. It's good to see a fellow plastic fondeler from ARC find his way here!!

 

[imatt88]

Jody,

I still like my aircraft:thumbsup: but, I'd like to revive my HO hobby as well.