A Better Way To Clean Your Track? - Bachmann Track Cleaning Brake Van

[@jonswinfield9336]

It’s so good that finally a manufacturer has made a product that does the job but doesn’t look out of place on British railways

[@alanwagstaff16]

Well I was impressed I just brought 1. As I'm building a new layout so it will come in handy . Thanks Jenny

[@davidwatts1871]

Those old 'Mainline' couplings are probably the best OO gauge couplings ever, I swap all of my stock to them where possible. It's also a good idea to buff the contact bar to remove the mould line.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Yes, indeed!! I think some of the track cleaning brake vans are very useful products. Thank you Bachmann!!

[@stefanattrill8565]

Jennifer and readers, Bachmann sell slim-lined couplings which replaces the old Mainline type. Bachmann catalogue # is 36-026.

[@numptypootis8012]

Second this, I've tried them and they're a drop on fit for any wagon or stock that has these screw in type posts

[@TonysNWR]

Great video, Jenny! I thought it was odd when Bachmann US initially announced these. I wound up purchasing one to go on the layout and had similar results. Now I run it with my Peco track cleaner to form a little maintenance train. Is it overkill? Probably! But my track is clean!

[@robinforrest7680]

At last an advantage with DC. You can use a Relco electronic HF generator. NOT suitable for DCC 😂 Having said that, you still have to clean manually but a LOT less frequently. They’re not manufactured anymore unfortunately (though Relco themselves told me they sold the rights to Gaugemaster when I phoned them up for some info, don’t know if the latter are still selling them though). They turn up fairly frequently on Fleabay, or did when I bought 2 a few years ago. Interesting to see that these vans have the good old Mainline tension lock couplings, which I always found very effective. I like the « electrification » version which would look brilliant behind a weathered 8F and various other departmental stock as in photos you see of the WCML electrification works in the ‘60’s

[@ellisredjohnstrains2371]

I have just recently got the Roco track cleaning wagon, very happy with it, however it needs a powerful loco to haul it, I use my Hornby class 50 at the moment.

[@JenniferEKirk]

These aren’t quite so severe, and even the 153 just managed one.

[@lifestyleunleashed8046]

I have ordered one. Now I need to find the alcohol and find something like this for my 009 layout

[@keithplum3186]

Hi Jenny Thanks for the excellent video I've looked at tmc for these and the page won't load! Bachmann usa have parts and spares for these available to convert other wagons, as I model 0n30 this maybe for me, but your guidance and reviews are always helpful, cheers Keith

[@JenniferEKirk]

I think they may have now all sold out.

[@numptypootis8012]

Another great review Jenny, i did wonder when someone was going to look into these vans. I do find them too gloss and bright but i guess theyre done in the same production line as the ex-Mainline Bachmann Thomas wagoms, ive seen theyre quite expensive for being old Mainline brake vans just with metal wheels and cleaning pads but then again them Thomas wagons are pretty pricey. I do quite like theyre in old 80s and obscure liveries, hopefully some in failure and grey will come soon

[@JenniferEKirk]

Humbrol Matt cote works well to get rid of the shine.

[@tammylovescats]

Thanks for sharing this video. I agree they work a lot better than those eraser things. I don't have my layout done, but I will definitely be buying some.

[@robertruiz5417]

Amazing video thank you for the fantastic product information

[@chrisbeckett8361]

Hi Jenny. Great review. Would you suggest just one with IPA on would be sufficient. Or 2 wagons one with a dry pad

[@JenniferEKirk]

I used just one, but two would speed up the cleaning process.

[@chrisbeckett8361]

@@JenniferEKirk thanks for the recommendation I've got one on order, unfortunately missed out on the green one I wanted but never mind

[@AllensTrains]

You could quite easily make a pad to fit under any old brake van you happen to have!

[@lordraven1991]

From the first time I started looking into the model train hobby and understood the issues of keeping the tracks clean, I had the thought of 'why not build a MOW car with a scrub pad of sorts to clean the track constantly while you run the trains' then this video gets suggested to me.

[@kintyjunction5044]

Jennifer I use a track cleaner called sharge a Scottish company it’s brilliant fill up the track cleaner with fluid using syringe then adjust the flow tried a few sharge was the best hope this helps

[@michaelcrane3327]

Oh wow I've just googled Sharge Track Cleaner and they look amazing! Reminds me of the US Brass track cleaning tank car (I forget the brand).

[@kintyjunction5044]

@@michaelcrane3327 they are just as good as the brass cleaner and half the price too and the American company is cmx

[@MaboPete]

That's a very in-depth video, Jenny, but would you rate these brake vans over the others, such as Dapol, that are available?

[@JenniferEKirk]

They are less conspicuous than a track cleaning car. They seem pretty good in comparison.

[@MaboPete]

Thanks, Jenny. The Dapol set-up seems a lot to go through with the various grades of pads, and the trials I have seen show the odd derailment which, if it wasn't for the stopper in the reservoir, would send IPA all over the scenics. @@JenniferEKirk

[@DJ_K666]

Looking good. I might have to avail myself of one or two. A (track cleaning) brake van special, perhaps?

[@vickielawless]

What a great idea, a track cleaning wagon that looks pretty authentic rather than a canary yellow Annie or Clarabel! Didn't a firm called Lanarkshire Models do something similar inside an LMS brake van years ago? Not seen mention of it for ages. My layout doesn't have anywhere near the amount of track as Wear Yard, so I find a rag dipped in white spirit or nail varnish remover does the job. B.t.w. Jenny, if you want a loco that finds every spec of dirt, have you tried running a Heljan class 14?!

[@hawthornvalley]

Greetings from Australia. I stumbled across this video while playing around on my tablet. Then went to the PC to view in a bigger screen. Great review. I emailed TMC to find out postage costs. Due to the time difference, I haven't had a reply yet. The 45% off price is good. 29.99 Pounds equates to approx AU$57.42 which I think I can afford, plus postage of course. Quick query, I have a lot of Kadee couplers on my rolling stock. Do you know which Kadee would be suitable as a replacement and are they easy to replace? ...... Ian.

[@chickenbites8877]

What about replacment pads though?

[@JenniferEKirk]

New ones are available at £18.50 for two. They seem very resilient - no sign of degradation on the ones I’ve been using.

[@johnbishop6667]

Made one like that using an old hornby rhubarb and custard tin plate coach and a reel of velcro

[@giovanni669]

You did not mention if we can buy the pads separately or the material to make our own great vid as always

[@hamshackleton]

Interesting. Are the used pads washable, or are spares available? - As I've said before, I use a scrap bit of hardboard, pimply side down, towed behind or pushed by a loco.

[@wyvernmodelrailway]

just looked on tmc site, yees replacement pads are available in packs of 2. Bit pricey though.

[@JenniferEKirk]

New ones are available at £18.50 for two. They seem very resilient - no sign of degradation on the ones I’ve been using. They can be rinsed with some IPA.

[@hamshackleton]

@@JenniferEKirk Thanks, Jen.

[@andyrutherford203]

ive got one of these and find it is very good at cleaning. However they get mucked up quickly. the spare pads are very expensive. It would be nice if you could buy a roll of the material to cut and slide in when it needs replacing

[@ericsainte290]

Great info video. Although I will rather purchase pads and adapt them to my GWR toads and tome brake coaches or railcars to clean the mains regularly.

[@dansmodelrailways7886]

Jenny, are there replacement cleaning pads available? Or do the brake vans come with additional pads once the originals are worn/full of dirt?

[@JenniferEKirk]

They are available. They seem very resilient - no sign of degradation on the ones I’ve been using.

[@ajivins1]

It's just pan scouring sponge material.

[@briansimpson4293]

Replacement Pads £18.49 for 2. On TMCs site. What a rip off.

[@ajivins1]

@@briansimpson4293 Just cut a one inch square off a scouring pad.

[@Ianshandle999]

I clean the pads on the Bachman US boxcar track cleaners with……a Peco rubber! Only replace really manky pads after years…

[@davidshaw5979]

Hi Jenny can you get replacement pads should the need arise, where did you buy the IPA a very informative video thank you.

[@JenniferEKirk]

Thanks! New ones are available at £18.50 for two. They seem very resilient - no sign of degradation on the ones I’ve been using. IPA can be bought via Amazon or other sellers.

[@stewartclark1847]

Hi Jenny, great video on the cleaning wagons. Seeing you a few wagons would two be like a wash and rinse cycle. The 2nd wagon would wipe the damp track?

[@JenniferEKirk]

I personally don’t think it needs it at the IPA evaporates quite quickly.

[@pfflyer3381]

I use electronic cleaner. A rag on a stick, just wide enough with a rag to get on the inside of the track, as well the top.. and for hard to get places. Also I keep a dehumidifier in the room. To cut down on oxidation.

[@ericschmidt7359]

Lionel had a good track cleaner in the 1960s, it was easy, just put the solution in and let it go around the tracks. I had one.

[@terryflynn8830]

Using IPA on the pad only cleans the track, and after a short time conductivity becomes a problem from the track forming oxides that has a high resistance. A better long term solution is to use a product like INOX mp3. It leavs a thin layer of oil that slows down oxides from forming, and makes the resulting dirt conductive. It also results in no need to clean wheels.

[@mels1811]

Wonderful video

[@JenniferEKirk]

Many thanks!

[@lms_steve6693]

Check out Larry Puckett the DCC guy, he has a video showing how to make a track cleaner using a piece of hardboard, two nails glued to it and it fits under any truck once you've drilled a couple of holes. Great for keeping your track clean especially in tunnels!

[@kkobayashi1]

The class-153 looks nice, will you be reviewing it? Or did I miss it?

[@johndrew3202]

I thought it was recommended to push the cleaner so the 'power unit' is running on clean track? Or is that a problem when using solvents because it is too fresh on the rails?

[@madhouse8041]

Do you know if replacement pads are available?

[@JenniferEKirk]

Tes they are. However they seem to be quite sturdy so no sign of wear on the ones I’ve been using.

[@madhouse8041]

@@JenniferEKirk Thanks for the reply, I've ordered the LT one. Keep up the good work.

[@cinqueportcentral1602]

This question might have been asked already but what about spare cleaning pads, how do you about getting them

[@JenniferEKirk]

New ones are available at £18.50 for two. They seem very resilient - no sign of degradation on the ones I’ve been using.

[@carolinecleaveley-q1r]

Hi Jenni how can you clean the track cleaner or do you change the pad. Do you get spares?

[@madeinyorkshire52]

I see that the replacement pads cost a bomb - such a pity as I would think one would need several if this wagon was being regularly used on a layout - or do they wash out?

[@JenniferEKirk]

New ones are available at £18.50 for two. They seem very resilient - no sign of degradation on the ones I’ve been using. You can clean them with IPA to some extent.

[@jimteff6114]

How often do u change pads How much are replacement pads

[@Madonsteamrailways]

See you again on Monday evening at Monday Club!!

[@Bluestatesurvival]

Who signed the Iron Maiden art on the wall?

[@JenniferEKirk]

Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith.

[@Bluestatesurvival]

Sweet! I've been a fan since 1984.

[@glennscotttrains7513]

Tootally Thomas has all four for £40 pounds and postage and packaging costs of £5.00

[@banksroadmodernimage7358]

Another intereting video jenny😊😊

[@martinparkinson3665]

I have literally just watched a Jago Hazard video of how leaves on the line are dealt with , real world versions of modellers issues ...😅

[@loftlegacy]

Just seen these for sale at £50. Crazy price!

[@matthewsnowdenshunterguy3352]

How long before u need to change the pads? I use the Piko wagon from Gaugemaster 👍🏻

[@JenniferEKirk]

They seem very resilient - no sign of degradation on the ones I’ve been using.

[@dallas184]

I use the Hornby one

[@VauxhallRailfan]

I always get paranoid at the start of an ops session, afraid that the loco will stall on a point or something. ESPECIALLY when people come over

[@vitovolpe567]

Can you clean those pads are you just replacing

[@JenniferEKirk]

New ones are available at £18.50 for two. They seem very resilient - no sign of degradation on the ones I’ve been using. They can be carefully cleaned with IPA.

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

Are they heavy?

[@JenniferEKirk]

They have a reasonable weight without it being excessive.

[@philrisbridger919]

Best way to clean the pads is put them in a sock, tie the end of the sock and put in the washing machine with your washing on 30 degrees

[@robinfrost6240]

No N gauge cleaner or is that on the way?.

[@lambton2023]

Hi Jenny wear did you get the name wear yeard..

[@JenniferEKirk]

It was bought as a present. I don’t know where from.

[@lambton2023]

That's cool I live in the north east and right next to were I live is a place called wear yeard ...

[@warrenlehmkuhleii8472]

Just a random idea, that is only tangentially related to the video. I wish Bachmann would put its USA tanks into the Bachmann US packaging as a little joke. Oh well, a man can dream.

[@claptnei]

Have you seen the price of the replacement pads, 2 for £18.50 !!!

[@ajivins1]

The material is off a scouring pad.