New Junction - Under Closer Inspection: Dapol track cleaning wagon

[@ThePhosphater]

Very impressive, you never know how good these things are to you try them. Thank you for showing us.

[@Anthony.1967]

Hi Richard enjoyed the video I have been looking at dapol track cleaning wagon for a while now i think I will get one when my track is layed on new layout

[@Nightstorm241]

well soon I might need to buy one because I will try to build a outside layout I will also see about recording the building progress so be on the look out for that. I know it is not practical but it should be fun I have a bit of track but I will need more to complete it.

[@kirktonroadjunction193]

Seen a few videos of the CMX track cleaner which I had on my wish list.. This is the first video I've seen thats shown this track cleaner fully in action, I think you may have changed my mind. Thanks for showing this..

[@davestrains]

wow its a winner then ! looks like it does a super job.....your closer look was well worth it ..great video cheers dave

[@georgewyatt6712]

"Wow". That was impressive I can't believe the muck that came of I will be getting one those when my layout is up and running what a machine. Regards George..

[@JeremyBeloff]

The reservoir for the cleaning fluid has an asymmetric brass insert, presumably to control the flow. However, there is nothing in the instructions to indicate which is the right way up. I would appreciate answer to that question.

[@madeinyorkshire52]

It would be good to get a reply to your very important question

[@madeinyorkshire52]

No reply yet to your important question but I’ve read somewhere (forget where this was!) that the larger diameter end goes in first.

[@davidstrains4910]

I'm thinking of getting one of these because my track really needs a good clean

[@cytrix9585]

I might have to get one of those, there're amazing. Great vid. Keep up the good work with New Junction. Ollie

[@michaeltanguy7055]

Very good review but I agree with MarkoBricksUK about scratch marks left by the abrasive disk and the dirt that will get into them. You're then playing catch up. I only use mine for the vacuum and the polishing pads although on one occasion it "sucked up" the spring thing on one of my points!

[@BremptonJunction67]

Hi mate, I think your bung seal is fine, if you watch the video back you will see that you spilt a bit when filling. Craig

[@isctony]

well spotted, youre right

[@shauntilley6730]

I have an older N gauge dc version works well. Now attempting spring kit models thinking of experimenting on the track cleaner, BR blue with yellow ends or large loco livery

[@phil36310]

A fantastic well demonstrated video ! Thank you & cheers, Filip

[@NewJunction]

Your welcome Filip, thanks for the comment!

[@sardine158]

Really useful review Richard. Thumbs up from me too.

[@stevenhamblin4787]

Hi , great video, I brought one on the back of this video, but motet on cleaning wagon stops after a couple;e minutes, I can start it up again after a few minutes rest, but does yours do this? Thanks

[@b17marko]

Excellent review, This is perfect for larger model layouts which require more time to clean, if your in a loft you will always get a lot more natural dirt and dust, the Hoover section is ideal for dealing with that, I will consider buying one of these for that alone, the only reservation I would have about abrasive disks would be that they could scratch the rail head and those scratches could provide a key for subsequent dirt to attach itself? Also like the other wagon based track cleaners this would probably not work on a layout where the owner has fitted a prototypical 3rd rail, but a fine piece of kit nonetheless.

[@reddington3459]

Track rubbers scratch the rails as well. I use a microfibre cloth and a bit of isoprobyl alcohol and never had a problem, clean, shiny scratch free track :) Any stubborn bits can be removed with a bit of brown (unprinted) cardboard.

[@tomlawton7087]

Talking of top tips, is it worth putting some form of arrow to confirm the direction? Whether painted in a brand logo, or just a simple sticky direction arrows, something to help you see the direction is correct. Is there any aging effect on the tops of the rails? Does the discolouration come from the rubber, corrosion/oxidiation, etc or anything else? (Some of these products do show a benefit, but the next day, without use, but merely exposure the the air, look as bad as you started) Regards, Tom

[@cheekytek]

have to agree these are a great bit of kit to drag around, i too could not believe how much dust it collected.. my gripe would be the cost as feel they are just a little steep in price, but what isn't nowadays.. great review buddy.. keep them rolling.. 👍 gazza

[@NewJunction]

cheekytek they also leak what fluid you don't use on a run which is annoying lol. Cheers Gary!

[@theengineshed359]

This is a great little product! However, I tend to avoid using the grinding pad as it can on occasion snag on more complex track geometry. I would without hesitation invest in CMX clean machine, it may be a little pricey but it makes the mundane task of track cleaning far less painful. Love your work and your layout!

[@madeinyorkshire52]

Just to say that having just acquired a new but technically old model (the purple one, same as in this review), I’ve ripped out all the electrics and those very poor spring truck power contacts and installed a 9v PP3 battery system. Then you can run this unit flat out (but within the makers warning that the motor is 9v max voltage) using a DC or DCC loco as you wish - pushing the cleaning wagon. I’ve made a carrier that lifts the battery up in the rubbish compartment so that all that gets sucked up during use can still go somewhere. If anyones keen to know more, I’m happy to consider making a short KZbin video to provide details - just comment if that’s of interest.

[@LondonEmergency999]

This looks pretty good

[@albertocontador6287]

Keep up the good videos and clips I love them

[@saltspringrailway3683]

I was able to buy the CMX metal pad that sits on the track then I made my own vehicle to mount it on. Works reasonably well. I believe CMX sell them and the cloth strips separately.

[@Pierre-de-Standing]

I would be hesitant to use the grinding disc as it might degrade the rail surface and more likely to collect dirt in the future, but the hoover and polishing bits seem pretty good. Use the grinder too much and you will have converted the track from code 100 to code 75! The CMX wagon is eye wateringly expensive. Tony North Eastern has done a review (and makeover) of the Bachmann cleaner. Worth checking that out too.

[@LondonEmergency999]

You could use the hoover attachment to clean up excess ballast in the future

[@jerryallen34]

Hi Richard, a great review on a much maligned bit of kit. I have used mine for many a year and agree with you wholeheartedly. They do need maintenance themselves though and you’ll find this as you use it more. Wheels require cleaning on a regular basis and the touch style connections in the bogies are susceptible to collecting crud especially when the hover is used. Enjoyed it and thanks Jerry

[@scottjamable]

I would use the grinder disk first then vacuum then polish, nice video and cleaner car. may have to get one myself

[@HungryGuyStories]

I already have the CMX track cleaner. I wonder if it would be an improvement to add this wagon to run behind it? But for the price of this thing, I'd expect it to combine all 3 functions at once.

[@saltspringrailway3683]

I have one and it certainly picks up huge amounts of dirt. However, James Dyson would not approve - basic design fault - bits get stuck in the fan and jam it several times during use. The fan should be placed after the bin and not before it, with a filter separating the bin and fan!

[@davidlarge8894]

Having a loco trailing while using the fluid is it not going to eat into the traction tyres in time .

[@VK2FVAX]

I have a pair of the Japanese Tomix 6425 version of this. Works well.

[@davidstead4048]

Hi interesting video . What loco are you pulling the track cleaner with . Regard’s David

[@ChapelEndJunctionUK]

Looks a good item to have ......Peter

[@pauls5981]

i got the cmx cleaner but i need to use 2 class 20s but this little dapol cleaner seems alot easier

[@danstransportspots]

What if you get another one and run it on the other track in the opposite direction.

[@sparky107107]

this would be a must have cleaning car, but one thing i noticed is when you first buy one. you better buy extra pads right away. first few passes are going to get the grime up. so slower is better I would think when running it. well off i go to see if i can find one over here in Canada.

[@saltspringrailway3683]

Probably cheaper to buy from Hattons of Liverpool!

[@learningoogauge3452]

Hiya, how do you actually turn the cleaner on on dcc?

[@timrailways]

It's easy to use on my track?

[@SwindonJunction]

HI Richard, i have a question for you regarding this. when your cleaner unit is using the abrasive pad do you find that it will run for a bout a 1minute or so then stop turning. or does yours ruin constantly through out the course of cleaning your track. reason i ask is i have a new one and have found it runs for about a minute or so then stops turning. i have to iether reset or turn off and restart. regards Dave

[@NewJunction]

Yes mine does the same, I'm sure that's an auto feature.

[@jonplatts7861]

Can I ask a "daft question"? Just bought a 2nd hand Virgin Pendolino 4 car set and a load of 2nd hand track. When we try tun the power car and 1 carriage it's fine but when we link all of them together the powered bogies spin and it doesn't move. Could this be down to dirty track or is something wrong with the train itself?

[@NewJunction]

If the wheels are spinning it sounds like the train is to heavy for the driving car, try adding weight to the driving car.

[@fastoutnotforkids7192]

Just a dumb question. Do you think it would be ok to have 3 of these be pulled at the same time doing each step on each one? like one grinds, one vacuums and the other one waxes or something with the liquid. And i wish to do this with a DCC set up. ( if i ever get one build. Lol just getting started)

[@NewJunction]

Each section needs a few passes to really work well so that might not work. 👍🏻

[@fastoutnotforkids7192]

@@NewJunction thank you! I will change my plans as needed. ^_^ maybe I can set it up with each one going at a different times so it will get the passes it needs. Again thank you! And have a awesome day! Or night!

[@Jimyjames73]

I've also got this but in blue 🙂🚂🚂🚂

[@howarth004]

I had one of these , good for light work , but cmx is far superior .. far more money as well

[@nxtrains3549]

Looks just like the TOMIX Cleaning Car (TOMIX 6425). Who came first with the design Tomix or Dapol? Cheers!

[@NewJunction]

The egg came first lol

[@nxtrains3549]

Lol. I checked it out. Dapol pays royalties to Tomix in order to use Tomix cleaning car design. Cheers!

[@mtty1988]

What dose the DCC 5 functions do? Where did decoder do. What not attach loco behind and have it bookend cassette what ever it’s called like nuclear coal flasks

[@garyclare2759]

Could anyone help with cv settings for use on dcc. Cvs 2, 5, 6 i think are the ones most useful for getting some better control of the motor speed i think. Any help is appreciated cheers.

[@sparky107107]

do you know what dcc chip I need for this ?

[@NewJunction]

If memory serves its just an 8pinn chip

[@saltspringrailway3683]

I bought one and it does pick up a surprising amount of dust and bits but there is a fundamental design fault that James Dyson would pick up on.............the fan is the first thing the dust hits and subsequently jams it frequently. The fan should be after the dust box.

[@mtty1988]

Electric graphics do overlays for the cleaner so can have it in dB shanker red or network rail yellow. Or even get him to make it to ews to match loco. Then can run it part of the layout rather than a chore or do on its own. Even store it on the layout somewhere make it a feature www.electrarailwaygraphics.co.uk

[@evanescecse]

Hi Rich good review are you still using this cleaner after all this time? Thanks J

[@NewJunction]

Hiya, I am indeed although its showing its age now haha

[@jamesdenny4734]

Hi, do dapol have a website ? Thanks if you know it.

[@jamesdenny4734]

is that some kind of new HO scale coupler ?... never mind I see it's 00

[@michaelphelps9555]

do thay make them for ho scale and were can i get one from 👍

[@paulm3965]

A brave attempt to clean track. I am not sure scratching the track is a good idea it forms a key for dirt and dust to accumulate. There is no substitute for a good cleaning fluid followed by a portable hoover. At a push I would consider using jewellers polishing rouge on a Dremel pad on a very dirty section of track. The key is not to allow the track to accumulate a layer of dirt in the first place. Good house keeping is the byword. Good layout.

[@GaryNumeroUno]

Hi Richard, where did you get your overhead catenary from? I am in the market for some realistic catenary masts and wires and yours looks quite good. Cheers.

[@NewJunction]

Hi Gary, it's made by dapol. 👍🏻

[@GaryNumeroUno]

@@NewJunction thanks very much for the feedback good buddy. Have you tried polishing the rails with Brasso!? Used to be an old trick used on new starters in the rail industry!

[@jagc1969]

Good review. But what about using only Isopropyl Alcohol instead of that dangerous Dapol's fluid ?

[@madeinyorkshire52]

Any chance of someone replying to this post? I’ve just bought an older model of this cleaner (same model as being tested here) but I’d like to use 99.9% IPA despite Dapol saying not to!

[@linnet12dd]

I;ve bought two f these and motor cuts out each time any help??

[@finnsartor9987]

You need to fit a 1 amp decoder. Sounds like you'r using a 0.5 amp decoder which will cout out as it runs warm and the protection cercuit cuts the power to protect it from burning through.

[@linnet12dd]

@@finnsartor9987 I'm using it dc

[@finnsartor9987]

@@linnet12dd I've fitted a 1.0 amp decoder to mine that I can control the speed on the hover. Got 2 of this trrack cleaner which I've had for a couple years now. I do not use the pads much just the track cleaning with fluid and the hover. Never had any trouble with it.

[@djburland]

Was it running DCC or DC?

[@mtty1988]

Add a mk3 first and mk3 sleeper coach on the back and another loco have it as a maintenance unit On the layout

[@johnjmc]

just bought one of these with all the extras and spares for £30 haha

[@NewJunction]

Nice to see I've still got influence lol

[@lindasreef]

Would it clean even better if you ran it a bit slower? Your voice sounds very clear through your breathing mask!

[@ausfoodgarden]

If you happen to see this comment, do you still think the Dapol wagon is worth the cost after nearly 12 months of use? Just wondering as they are quite expensive here in Australia. Anyone else who has used one please feel free to comment too :)

[@NewJunction]

I use mine more for holding track cleaning fluid as of late, still handy through:-)

[@mtty1988]

Why not also add stay alive to all locks as well

[@Finnertoncentralmodelrailway]

It does look like a great idea but too expensive for me

[@ThatVoxelBlock]

get 2 more and you can do all of the steps in one pass

[@johnreyortiz6154]

Hi yes very nice I'll use a dry cloth and elbow geese every day plus little bit lighter liqiudon cloth it remove dirt on track loco run well ,looking at the wagon dapol like too have one look far easier kev philipines

[@richardswallow1967]

Unfortunately I'm not happy with my Dapol cleaner,Ok as vacuum, but when using the other accessory when in use not matter what speed it's travelling the motor is intermittent and stops.even on straight track and no points. It seems to stick on grinding pads and polishing pads.For ever playing around with it nothing seems to change, so a no from me.Richard.

[@brentleajunction]

Hi richard great video ive got this unit and it just stopped working so it went into my spare box so i went to cmx track clearner but what u did like about the dapol clearner was the hover part but as of my layout its got small spaces and two levels going on to have a 3rd in the next few months sub to you not sure if you sub to people

[@NewJunction]

Already subbed pal! regards Richard!

[@gerrydrenth3845]

BRENTLEA JUNCTION iii

[@Synthematix]

Anything that scratches the track like this is a very bad idea

[@NewJunction]

Two years later I've had no issues :-)

[@cliffwoodbury5319]

it weould be cool if you could come uop with vidweo of the reale thing and go back and forth talking about the car

[@formidable38]

I was never impressed with this thing to be hinest, far to much money for what it is. I ended up just using the vacuum function. For actually cleaning rails, I bought a CMX, knocks this thing into a cocked hat far as cleaning rails is concerned.