Track Cleaning Update at Chadwick Model Railway | 150.

Track Cleaning is a seemingly never-ending task, or perhaps, burden!
As I have changed my routine somewhat, I thought that I would bring you up to date and review a relatively new product here at Chadwick Model Railway
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[@hkmikey377]

I restarted in model railways after a gap of some 50 years, and your channel Charlie has helped me immeasurably. I too tried various different track cleaners, but soon realised Inox was something special. I have a pretty large layout, with a 16 track fiddle yard, and many points/sidings. Some 9 months ago I applied Inox and haven't touched the track since...even the rarely used sidings seem to benefit from the residue being spread by loco and rolling stock wheels. I think the other thing to mention is use...ie ensure you are actually running trains reasonably regularly....ie operate at least 5 days per week, for perhaps an hour or so (retirement is GREAT!)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent comment Mike. I imagine that DCC Train Automation, will have a run on Inox again.

[@hkmikey377]

@@ChadwickModelRailway I am an expat Scot now living in NZ. Inox is cheap and plentiful here, the Kiwis use it to clean and lubricate their fishing gear (sea fishing here is an obsession) ...and of course it comes from Aussie.

[@rogermilligan9669]

Charlie, watching you wash your track with soap and water and then hanging them on the line to dry had me in stitches, priceless. Another great video, thanks.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

We all need cheering up in these troubling times Roger. Regards Charlie

[@joekeenan6423]

I have had a gap of 60 years and the last 3 years l have put together a layout and thank you for your advice Charlie all the best Joe 👍 from Liverpool age 73.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

We are never to old to start Joe ! Regards Charlie.

[@neilstrains]

Wonderful - really helpful video thanks!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Neil, I’m so pleased that you found a video useful. Regards, Charlie

[@ModelRailway]

Hi Charlie, another excellent video … and especially love the reaction when you opened the Dapol vacuum after it’s trip to the fiddle yard!! I use a Hornby Class 60 to push/pull a CMX and the Dapol cleaner (vacuum mode only) and has worked well so far. As I have a few items with traction tyres, I’ve avoided Inox (although I did buy some), but found WD40 Electrical Cleaner spray (NOT usual WD40) … and have used that within the CMX and has worked very well so far. The motor of the Dapol cleaner stopped working during the last cleaning session. I disassembled and found the actual motor had become clogged with dust. I cleaned, put back together and works well again. However it does look like a design flaw that allows dust to escape from the chamber directly to the motor. So if you’re using the Dapol cleaner in vacuum only mode, watch out for if the motor stops in future … it may require a strip and clean. Another key factor I’ve found over time is to keep the wheels clean (as well as the track!) … how do you clean yours? Best wishes for 2022! Mark 👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great info Mark, but keeping the wheels clean is the subject of a forthcoming video! Best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@andrewharrison6475]

Thank you Charlie for another 12 months of fabulous videos. Looking forward to the next 12 months.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Andrew. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@grandadchoochoo7569]

Hello Charlie. I started using inox about a year ago after watching your first video on the subject. Since then reliability has increased and I had a couple of areas that would get very dirty due to micro arcing ( removable section) but these now stay as clean as the rest of the track. Many thanks for the shows. Regards Roger.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s great news Roger. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@paulskehan6274]

Hi Charlie Happy New Year. I'm in a MR Club that operates a large US based layout. Our experience has been very similar to yours. We tried various liquids. Most caused more problems than they were ever likely to solve. Probably the worst was WD40. We ended up using IPA on a cloth, the vacuum cleaner wagon, a magnet stuck under a wagon and a couple of wagons with a piece of weighted Masonite underneath. A good work train to run on a regular basis. Great improvement and the amount of rubbish collected, including metal items, was amazing. The final change was to get rid of plastic wheels. The result has been very positive. Keep up the excellent videos Paul from Zillmere

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great comment Paul, I’m so pleased that you found an answer. Regards Charlie

[@flyboy2610]

Another great video, Charlie! My track cleaner is a homemade one. It requires a boxcar, 2 nails, and 2 small nuts which I solder on top of the nails to add some downward pressure. The key part is a rectangle of hardboard, sometimes called Masonite in the US. Hardboard comes in two varieties, one with two smooth sides and one with both a smooth and textured side. You want the second type. The two nails are epoxied onto the smooth side of the hardboard so the textured side is down. Drill two holes in the bottom of the boxcar just slightly larger than the diameter of the nails. Insert the nails into the boxcar and attach the nuts to the tops of the nails. Put the shell back on the boxcar and you're done. It's a good idea to bevel the front and back edges of the hardboard so it slides over points and such. Painting the edges and nails flat black helps it be not so noticeable. Type "Masonite track cleaning car" into your favorite search engine and you'll find plenty of info. These cars have been in use for around 60 years, so they've stood the test of time. Cheap & cheerful!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Many thanks for sharing your technique Flyboy. It’s much appreciated. Best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@alanhuntley]

Thankyou Charlie, very helpful, have used the 2000 wet and dry, vacuumed, cleaned with 100% Isopropyl, Inoxed lightly and what a difference, trains run beautifully.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s great news Alan, I’m so pleased that you have found it useful.

[@tonyhill6296]

Another helpful video from Mr Chadwick! My track cleaner is fabricated from a Triang track cleaning car modified to accept a weighted ‘plastic shoe’ that is aligned by two vertical sections of material arranged to slide through the slots that originally carried the foam pads. The latest version is a 3D printed shoe and slide bars assembly. The cleaning pad is a piece of hardboard (Masonite), used rough side to the rail heads. This is fitted to the shoe with double sided tape. My cleaning train comprises Cleaning car (as described above) + Dapol vacuum waggon setup only in vacuum mode. Once track has been cleaned clean I apply graphite, by a chisel tip sharpened carpenters pencil, for a length of about 300mm on each accessible section of the layout (eg Up Line, Goods Yard etc). The metal wheels of the locos and stock spread this graphite film throughout the layout. This has worked for me and combines several ideas gleaned for your channel and others on Utube. I find this treatment applied approx. every three months holds the problem at bay and reaches all parts otherwise inaccessible. Happy New Year to You and Mrs Chadwick and all your family. T 🚂

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A great comment Tony, thanks for sharing your technique. Regards Charlie

[@TheDarrin10]

I just started Model Railroading , Glad I found your channel it has helped me out a lot , great videos thank you sir!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It’s great to have you onboard mate. Regards Charlie.

[@bill1047]

Video 150. Wow, Charlie! What a wonderful milestone. Thank you for all you are doing to keep us so thoroughly entertained, especially the butterfly modellers among us!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Bill. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie

[@Claude_Terrier]

Bonjour Charlie. Thanks for this update about track cleaning, following your first video on that matter. The Dapol wagon having a reservoir, you can eventually use it in place of your heavy tanker, as long as the liquid is "plastic compatible' (quoting Dapol). As for track rubbers, the alternative is to use a piece of cork. That works well and is definitely track friendly. So, an home-made cleaning wagon "a la Piko" can eventually be built by putting a piece of cork under the wagon. But, bottom line, as already stated by someone else, the best way to clean a layout is to keep using it on a regular basis 😊 Cheers.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You have made some excellent points Claude. Many thanks, regards, Charlie

[@Claude_Terrier]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Charlie, your videos are so instructive and filmed in such a pleasant way so you are the one to be thanked! Kind Regard, Claude

[@monsieurcow]

Bee cool to see them al run together through the layout as a ‘cleaning train’

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That is my eventual intention mate. Regards Charlie

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Nice video you done charlie.Hope to see you in 2022.Thanks for sharing.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You’re very welcome mate. Regards Charlie

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks very much for replying to my comment. More uploads in 2022 to look out for and supporting my channel..Take Care & Stay Safe.

[@ickhamroad9635]

Thank you for the advice, I am one of those people that only clean the track when it doesn't work. I will definitely try out some of the products. Thanks again Merv

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting Merv. Regards Charlie

[@andrewstevenson5449]

Thanks for the update, Charlie, and for another year of great content. Track cleaning is a story as old as model railway hills. If you think the Piko one is rubbish, you've never seen the old Triang Hornby one. I've had powered ones, liquid pad ones, track rubber ones. They all work - sort of. But in my experience, the best thing was always to run train often. It's always that one little used siding or passing loop that needs cleaning the most! The worst of the lot in my view were the old Triang Hornby wagon with a bit of foam you stuck underneath, but which usually didn't make contact with the rails, and a Fleischmann loco which had built in rotating pads onto which you stuck little abrasive discs. Utterly useless. I think the CMX is a decent bit of kit, but very expensive (though it might be interesting to compare the cost with the scrap value of the brass). Although it doesn't clean the rails at all, in my view the vacuum cleaners are indispensable bits of kit: I've not had the Dapol one, but had a Lux one (they're so similar it wouldn't surprise me if Dapol pay Lux royalties), and it cleaned up all sorts of muck from the track that would be so difficult to do without breaking details, particularly with catenary installed. I had to smile at your dismissal of the Piko wagon because it looks rubbish, yet the CMX one, which is just a lump of brass doesn't get the same criticism! In my view (unless you're looking to the resale value as collectors' items), all track cleaning wagons need a repaint, even the CMX.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A great comment Andrew. And one that certainly stirs the emotions! The problem is that all of these items have their uses and there is no one decent answer to the problem. I imagine I will build a cleaning train and be done with it. Regards Charlie

[@paulpaxtop1580]

3 years ago I recommended graphite PENCIL (not block ) very lightly applied, maximum 2 passes on the track will do, it’s 3 years since I used this method on my n gauge layout, still no problems. When not using the layout I keep it covered with sheets of tissue paper, easy to float on and off, keeps the whole thing dust free. Happy new year Charlie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent comment Paul, thank you Best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@johncresswell9843]

Hi Charlie, personally I use the CMX with Go Gon and find it easy. Cleans and leaves a residue that cleans rolling stock wheels and evaporates after some time . This I would recommend to anyone, if CMX is out of reach then use of a rag, slower but works. Anyway thanks Charlie for another informato video. Regards John

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for the info John. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@philippebaudon]

Now, your wife is happy !!! you can wash plates and glass after diner, you can wash and dry all your clothes !!! smile. Happy new year 2022. always interesting your video. HI from France

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Tonight I’m actually cooking too!

[@timhillier1036]

Thanks Charlie for all your videos and hard work throughout the year. Wishing you all the best for the New Year. Cheers Tim

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Tim. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@chrisenglish3837]

Adding my New Year wishes to Charlie too. Thanks mate.

[@K-Fred]

Thanks Charlie, for doing such an awesome job keeping us up to date and well informed as to the Chadwick railway and yourself. Have a safe transition to 2022. Keep your wheels on the track!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great comment Kevin. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@RobA500]

Thanks for the update. I have been using WD40 electrical contact cleaner for some time now as many of my locomotives have the dreaded traction tyres though I do still occasionally use a Peco track rubber very lightly with more stubborn dirt after ballasting etc. The Piko wagon does come in a variety of liveries now including Railfreight brown.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for your view on track cleaning Rob, regards Charlie

[@titaniumman1493]

I bought my Dapol track cleaner many years ago and it worked straight out of the box. I never experienced any problems with it going over points. It is one of the first which Dapol produced and I'm sure it was priced at £35 back then. It still works as good as the day it was new.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I think you’re one of the few lucky ones mate. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@johntaylor-tz6td]

Thanks for the video and for being honest about your track cleaners happy new year

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it interesting John. Regards Charlie

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Nice video Charlie. Interesting subject as always. I must say that ever since I made my track cleaning wagon it has made my life 10 times easier when it comes to cleaning my track. Happy new year. - Nicholas.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased you found a workable solution Nicholas. Regards Charlie

[@berrybrook5877]

Gosh -was it 3 years ago! I thought it was not that long. Started to use INOX after that programme and ‘swear’ by it so to speak. Happy New Year - keep up the great videos.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Actually I don’t think it was three years now. I think my maths need improving, regards Charlie

[@roberthopegood7154]

Thanks Charlie, Just love a bit of track cleaning; I've tried most of them and like lots of things the best method is a mixture of all of them as there's no quick fix. Hopefully see you at Frome. Best wishes. Rob

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

My fingers are crossed as well Rob, regarding Frome. No news is good news, regards Charlie

[@howardavins1107]

Hi again Charlie As aP.S. there is a product over here called ISO wipes. We used them on high speed mail sorting equipment They come in around resealable container and you can remove Them one at a time already moist and ready to use. Nice soft cloth and doesn't snag either. Cant remember who makes them and away from home at the moment. Very convenient and disposable. Can Forward details when back home if you are interested. Keep up the good work Howard

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That sounds like a good product Howard, although I wonder what liquid they hold?

[@howardavins1107]

It is IPA We used it for cleaning P E cells and other sensors

[@geoffgardner7945]

Hi Charlie. Another top notch video, both informative and entertaining. Instead of the American CMX tanker cleaner, which I originally found expensive and difficult to obtain, I bought a Sharge UK made tanker cleaner. It comes in black, or blue colour, or as an Esso tanker. The CMX is priced on the internet at £170, but the Sharge is only (I say that advisedly tongue in cheek) £105. So if you want to go down the tanker route, buy British and its 2/3 the price. The people at Sharge are also very lovely people to deal with.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Geoff, it clearly is a viable option and decent colour options too. Regards Charlie

[@NothusDeusVagus]

Wishing you and yours a Happy, Safe and Healthy New year.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

And the same to you mate, regards Charlie

[@tomwest]

Just caught up on your last 3 videos. Fantastic and really informative. Thank you.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed them Tom. Regards Charlie

[@dkaustin98]

Charlie, you could take a Network Rail car, remove the pad mechanism, which is just gravity holding it down and adapt it to one of your cars. Or you can do it the old fashion way by taking a square of hardboard/Masonite, drill it for recessed threaded screws, fix the screws so the rough side of the hardboard is applied to the rails, then add a nut to the opposite side to hold it in place. You could bevel the edges to allow it ride up over anything that would snag it. Then drill two holes in the under side of your chosen car. Push the screws up through the car and add nuts to the threads to get the weight you want. You would be surprised how much gunk comes off onto the rough hardboard. If you cut enough squares of hardboard you will have spares on hand when you feel the time has come to swap out the well used hardboard. It is something you can leave in the train at all times. Some modelers will have several such cars on their railroad. Another video idea? Another thing thing you can test is get your most powerful loco out, behind it run the Network rail car, followed by the Dapol car and then your brass tanker full of Inox. That would be your Maintenance of Way train. You talked about taking a magnet to test for steel track. What if you put a magnet across and under the Dapol car at the lead end? That should pick up anything magnetic. It is the same principle used by office cleaners. They will put a bar magnet across the front of their vacuums. That way any staples and paper clips will a fix to the bar magnet and not tear up the innards of their vacuums. Just some thoughts. Happy New Year!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Excellent comment DKA.I think what I shall try is to see if I have an existing body to which I can exchange with the Piko edition. Regards Charlie

[@bigfoot4148]

I've been following you for quite some time now. And as always I take something away that is helpful to me. This video was extremely helpful, because I learned some things that I didn't know before. I will be incorporating what I know into my next layout. Sadly I've got a lot of stuff but I'm still trying to get the bench work together. Keep up the good work you're putting out a lot of good information, and as far as I'm concerned it is very helpful. Bye for now…

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for the info BF. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@michaelimpey1407]

Charlie, Thank you again for a very informative video, on a subject we all, sort of, ignore. There is sooo much advise and counter-advice out there on how to clean track, and with what. I use a Walters Trainline Track Cleaning Car, made in America, so it is HO, but Australian Trains are mostly HO Scale. It is a heavy weighted car, with an abrasive pad, that can have a cloth put over it, and dampened with your cleaning fluid of choice, I use the Inox MX3, and sometime a CRC product called 2-26, which is an electrical conductivity cleaning spray, that so far (touch wood) works well. Anyway, stay safe, and keep up the great work. Michael

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Michael, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Also, thanks for sharing your technique, regards Charlie

[@lordflasheart6801]

A timely one Charlie. Prior to grappling with some N scale scenics, I decided to run a couple of trains around the layout, resulting in a lengthy cleaning regime. I would add two other tips in regard to your opening piece. To save time hanging track out to dry, I use a tumble dryer on a low setting. Any remaining and obstinate blemishes may be removed with the judicious use of some 40 grit sandpaper. The odd thing is, my locos don't run that well, once the track has been fixed back down into place..... On a serious note, Inox for me, A great product. 2022 just around the corner, look forward to more great videos. Have a good one! Nige

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Nige. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie

[@andrewpalm2103]

Charlie, after your last video on track cleaning I quickly found a source for Inox MX3 on Amazon and purchased a spray bottle. I then applied it to my small Inglenook Sidings based layout trackwork and ran my two locos over it to catch their wheel treads, as recommended. (My method of application was a rag and lint-free cotton buds.) No subsequent rail cleaning has been necessary yet. So at least for small shunting layouts with no grades I can vouch for its effectiveness. Thanks for your last year of videos, all of which I have found enjoyable and informative. I very much appreciate all your hard work. Happy New Year to you and yours from Wisconsin.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for the info Andrew. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@platformten5958]

Hi Charlie. I purchased Inox some time ago but don't use it for one simple reason. It does what it says on the tin but, after speaking to an enthusiast who is a laboratory chemist by trade, was informed that the protective chemical that's left on the track is NOT rubber friendly. I was warned that even though it does a good job, over time it will attack the rubber tyres that many locos are fitted with, so make sure you have spare tyres for every one of your wheels, just as you should have a spare in the boot of your car. I now use good old 'elbow grease' when cleaning my track as there's always a price to pay for laziness. You have been warned! 👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m afraid you’ve missed the point on this one. I mentioned twice in the last video that Inox is not suitable for use if you have rubber tack traction tires. Regards Charlie

[@platformten5958]

@Charlie. No mate, I haven't missed the point, as I don't watch EVERY video uploaded on EVERY model train channel as I do have a life outside of the hobby. I was merely pointing that out as you came across through your advertising of the product on this video as advertising Inox as an option. I see there are one or two viewers who do use it so, for their benefit, I thought it would be only right for me, as a fellow enthusiast, to point out the negative aspect. I do hope you haven't missed MY point. Let's call it a 1-1 draw shall we. I do hope it doesn't go to penalties as being a defender, I never was much good at them. 😁

[@alannewman85]

Why not simply replace the tyres?? Not expensive and still better than elbow grease tedium.

[@ianmanson-blair5065]

Love your blatant honesty. Your awesome mate.. Ex-pat in Kentucky USA

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s very kind of you to say so Ian. Regards Charlie

[@engineerjim2018]

Many thanks for another great episode. Wishing you a happy new year

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks buddy. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@kevingreen6924]

Thanks again Charlie. Although I don't have a model railway of my own, and don't plan to, I really enjoy your videos and this one included. I've been a subscriber for nearly 2 years and look forward to more in this new year. Happy New Year to you, best wishes, Kevin.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Kevin, it’s great to have you on board. Best of wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@aspicer15]

another great video from Chadwick Model railway

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Al, you’re too kind mate. Regards Charlie

[@2H80vids]

Happy New Year Charlie and all the very Best for 2022. Cheers for now, Dougie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

And the same to you Dougie. Regards Charlie

[@onnomulder9775]

A very interesting video Charlie!! I saved it for later use. Thanks for sharing. A good and healthy 2022 for you and your loved ones!! Cheers Onno.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I do hope you enjoy it Onno. Best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@bright3633]

I got half way through the video and thought to myself, great, I'm doing something right, I've the CMX and the 'Hoover' being pushed around the track for a couple of years now - looks like Chadwick does the same.....result 👍👍 Then I watched to the end and how wrong was I 😁😁 Another great video Charlie, still laughing at the track cleaning short at the beginning.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it interesting Martyn. It’s always been a dreadful task and none of us have really conquered it. Regards Charlie

[@andrewdonald2770]

Happy New Year Charlie, thanks for your wonderful contribution over the past years and hopefully e will benefit from many more to come. All the best from down under. Andrew

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Andrew, have a great 2022, regards Charlie

[@AlexK-vy3tt]

Hello Mr. Charles, Happy New Year, strong health and new decisions in a railway modeling! Sincerely, Alexander, Moscow, Russia

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Best wishes for 2022 Alex. Regards Charlie.

[@susannesmodelrailroad]

Really interesting and a god review of this topic. I am fairly new in modelrailroading. I found that vaccum wagon, a wagon equiped with a thin magnet and a hand cloth with isopropanol works best for my layout. But to run a LOT of trains is also keeping the tracks clean. Thank you so much. Your videos has really helped me in starting my own railroad! /Susanne

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

As long as your technique works for you, that’s all that matters. Regards Charlie

[@philsrailway5910]

Excellent vid very informative, love your sence of humour. Keep it up . Thanks

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

What a heartwarming comment Phil, regards Charlie.

[@johnduffill]

Happy New Year Charlie. Hope all the family is well and your keeping safe. Looking forward to the continuation of the layout during 2022. Take care and safe

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks John, best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@alanswallow9033]

And a happy & prosperous new year to you your family Charlie! Cheers from Christchurch New Zealand!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Alan and the same to you mate. happy modelling in 2022, regards Charlie

[@kevinheard8364]

LOL!!!! Happy New Year to Mr. & Mrs. Chadwick

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Kevin and the same to you and yours mate. Regards Charlie

[@marcdempsey5850]

Hi Charlie, thank you again for this video on possible track cleaning. I’m one for the IPA and track rubber. If I’m just “playing” for a run around I give the track a quick wipe over prior to assembling a couple of loops and points. Trying to move rolling stock to metal wheels when possible. A good honest video again, hover was the best part, only one track and all that dust… worth the investment. Best of all was the starting clip of previous video, was great to see that again. All best for the New Year to come. Marc

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Marc Happy New Year, regards Charlie

[@enderwarrior6792]

That intro was genius!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks mate, I am proud of that one.

[@roystudds1944]

Thanks for the many videos this year Charlie. All of them very informative and entertaining. I always enjoy reading the comments you get and sometimes they are quite controversial, particularly about track cleaning! It is a never ending subject which I think you cover well and I’ve learned a lot of things by reading the comments on this video. Happy New Year to you and your family. Look forward to seeing your updates in 2022. Roy.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Another heartwarming comment Roy. Best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@RamsFan93]

I've never been excited about someone running cleaning trains on their layout before. Thanks for the tips and help

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie

[@customwoodworketc1046]

Thanks for your show

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You’re most welcome, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie

[@bobainsworth5057]

Another good one Charlie! I had a friend who cut a piece of Masonite confirmed the front and back. Hammered to small nails drilled two holes in the bottom of a boxcar ( in line with the nails and fraction bigger Then the nails. This just flitted along . He ran them one in every train and never cleaned track again. They were cheep to make so he replaced them every so often. The one thing I have found, if you put any type whipping car always have a cloth wiping car follow. Even if you use 90%alcohol it will dry and wipe right away. Just a thought.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An interesting option Bob, regards Charlie

[@Zebrails]

You visit a store to buy produce, when you're in an aisle and hear over the "public service announcement" speakers: "CLEAN UP IN AISLE FOUR!" repeated once or twice... with your close observation, you see parent and child and a busted spill of coffee bean product on the floor. 'Oh, the humanity!' Do your eyes get moist for the screaming child, embarrassed parent, or the coffee spilled? Then, you regain your composure, give condolences to the person who's going to clean up the coffee. That person will be exposed to the calamity... and do the recovery/clean-up... There, that Dapol vacuum machine is gonna do a good job picking up where the other cleaning methods have left aside. Carry on, Charlie, carry on. Great video! John British Columbia, Canada

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great comment mate thank you. Best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@peterpocock9062]

I along with many others, it seems, have the Dapol cleaner. I could never get on with the cleaning side, but, the vacuum cleaner is a winner. I also use Inox and the CMX cleaner. But the gadgets (× 4) I use in every train is my wooden drag plate (here in Oz we have a reconstituted wood product called Masonite. It's used rough side down) under a box car. It rests on the track in between the bogies no springs, held in place by 2 sliding pins and removes all the sticks and brick on the track! On one of these units I have a couple of very strong magnets stuck to the underframe. Now, that, is a revelation! Surprising what sticks to that. Another fine missive, thanks Charlie.

[@peterpocock9062]

@Liskwithiel Road Thanks for that explainer! It may help others to understand what I was rabbiting on about!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent comment Peter and co-. And perhaps it’s something I want to give a go. Regards Charlie

[@peterpocock9062]

Charlie, I'd be happy to send some pics if you have a tame email address. You may be able to share the idea. I take no credit for it tho, it's been around for yonks!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

@@peterpocock9062 yes plese. Use chadwickmodelrailway (at) gmail.com Regards Charlie

[@amtrak1007]

Thanks for another great video Charlie. Cheers.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate, regards Charlie

[@geoffreythompson4457]

Happy New Year Charlie. Thanks so much for all the videos you have produced, I’ve learnt so much from you. I have converted a Gaugemaster N Gauge track cleaner to DCC and use the vacuum cleaner only. (All other functions are less than satisfactory!) Track is wiped clean with IPA (99.9%) and treated with graphite (2B). Locomotives, including Panniers run superbly negating the considered need to fit stay alive capacitors. No slipping wheels either, but all track is level.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great comment Geoffrey, have a great 2022, regards Charlie

[@Tez_Thorn1405]

Eeesh,Charlie,your track was filthy 😲,all the best for 2022

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes Tez, it was in a shocking state. Regards Charlie

[@patmcdermott4832]

Hi Charlie thanks for the video. There is indeed a Woodland Scenics cleaner called a "Dust Monkey" code TT4571 it's a pack of 4. These are a felt pad, suitable for wetting with IPA, or whatever, they clip over the axle of any vehicle and clean the track in a similar manner to the CMX. I fitted a pair on the 2 axles of a DAPOL 4 wheel goods wagon to which I added some weights. They work very well, easy to use, and clean easily. Hope 2022 is a better year for all! 🙂

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for the info Pat. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@dakdak7609]

Good stuff. Hope you had a good Christmas and have a great New Year.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks mate. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@SantaFeBob]

Thank you for posting. Happy New Year.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Bob.

[@antoinebesnehard]

Happy New Year, Charlie ! All my best wishes to you and Madame Bishop, keep the good mood and the spirit up !

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you enjoy the channel. Best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@wheezypalacemodels7726]

Hi Charlie, firstly..Happy new year to you and Mrs Chadwick! I am an N gauge layout and have had a CMX machine since the very beginning and have to say I very rarely get running issues due to dirty track. User of Track magic and recently Isopropyl which works well for me. May look into the Dapol vacuum cleaner as I can get lots of dust at times. This video is a great point at which track cleaning can be done so thanks for sharing, stay safe and well as we all look forward to the next episode..kind regards, Chris

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

What an excellent comment Chris. Best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@TONYNORTHEASTERN]

Hi Charlie, A happy new year to you and all the best for 2022. looking forward to what you will bring us on your channel this year....stay safe buddy Tony

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Tony, and best wishes to you and yours mate. I’m so pleased that you enjoy the channel. Regards Charlie.

[@Rock_God]

Charlie, what a lot of dirt you vacuumed up there! The modified Dapol cleaner appears to be a good investment. The CMX wagon is a stupid price, but if you have a large amount of hidden track or track that is awkward to get to, it may be worth biting the bullet in order to help prevent the inevitable problem from happening, in those areas. Best wishes for 2022, Jason.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

We clearly both agree on this one Jason. Happy New Year, regards Charlie

[@modelrailroader5619]

Thanks for the update, Charlie. Elbow grease every couple of months with track cleaner and a rag is my go to. I have also retrofitted a couple of boxcars to drag a Masonite pad underneath. Burnishes the track beautifully and can be sanded clean (at a great price point.) I run my trains almost every day. Happy New Year 🥳

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I think that running the train is almost daily, it’s probably the key. Regards Charlie

[@Hanzo.Azmodan]

Thanks Charlie for all your hard work over the past 150 episodes, they have been full of great ideas and tips. I use CRC contact cleaner on a lint-free cloth as I can't find INOX over here in Spain but, I believe its the same stuff and certainly does the job. I do use a Peco track rubber, if needed for stubborn deposits, but only lightly applied then the CRC straight after. Thanks again and Happy and healthy New Year to you and yours.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Mike, I’m so pleased that you found the channel interesting, and my very best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie

[@fredashay]

American here! I use the Dapol vacuum (Hoover) car followed by the brass CMX tank car, all pulled by a pair of SD-70 locomotives. We use Kadee couplers by default here (in America, everything comes with Kadee couplers from the factory). But I do see an advantage in using your Tension Lock couplers in this application as those are much stronger. When I buy British trains, I replace the Tension Lock couplers with Kadee couplers (Kadee does make NEM versions of them). Unfortunately, American manufacturers don't follow the NEM standard, so we don't have the option to replace the Kadee couplers with something else without doing major surgery on our models. Thanks for the video! :-)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A great technique FK. I shall be using a similar set-up. Regards Charlie

[@frostgfx]

Charlie: So glad to catch up with you again, albeit more than a year ago. I am recently using Rail Zip oil which is working rather well on my shelf layout. I used to use IPA, but rail zip lasts for weeks at a go. Also interested in No Ox ID A Special which is similar to Rail Zip. Will be trying this method when the rail zip runs out.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for the info Jon. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@markosolowey5887]

Great video thanks for sharing some food for thought, cheers Charlie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@kite7214]

Thanks for the video, Charlie. FYI I am using an N Gauge CMX for my tail chaser and it works well. It is very heavy in N scale and does need a strong loco to pull it without slipping or stalling. I paid about 125 quid for it, but glad that I did, as long hidden tunnel sections are not easily reached with a rag. Happy New Year to you and ‘er indoors, mate. Best wishes, Keith

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased you found a workable solution Keith and thanks for sharing it. Regards Charlie

[@michaeldavies9600]

Hello Charlie another nice video from a nice bloke.I use a peco rubber on the track i can reach and IPA.I have one of those Pico Gaugemaster cleaning wagons for the track i cant reach very well and for me its ok now i have a loco that can pull it! I have read somewhere that if you are struggling to pull it,take the springs off the bottom to release the pressure a bit.Thanks for all the nice videos throughout 2011 and i wish you all the best for 2022.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for the info Michael. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@isctony]

We picked up the Dapol after your last video, purely really for the vacuum, glad to see you find it effective as well!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes it is a useful tool for those hard to reach places. Regards Charlie

[@leonardlea8740]

Very informative programme as usual Charlie. Well done as usual. I also quite like using INOX, and have track rubbers et al. However, I also find both the NOCH Track Cleaners (which clip to vehicle axles) and the LUX Modellbahntechnik Schienenschieifwagen powered rotating disc cleaner waggon to be useful, especially in those hard to access parts of the layout. The LUX cleaner waggon is however very expensive.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes Leonard it’s a financial nightmare. Regards Charlie.

[@torridonroadbypeterdixon4162]

Top man Charlie, been using Inox for over a year now on my little roundy roundy. Seems that the slot car racing guys have been using it for quite a while and thats were you can get it from their outlets too, Pendle Slot Racing being one. Never need to clean wheels on locos or rolling stock. Just wipe over the front of the layout and let the trains transfer it around the rest of the layout. Perfect running on DCC with not a flicker from any lights. Yes your right no locos with traction tyres so thats fine. Layouts in a man shed so goes through a temp change from summer to winter but track work copes with it. Biggest problem is the spiders setting up home in the tunnels LoL. All the best Peter

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great comment Peter and confirmation that it’s a great product. Best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@cknop]

Happy new year! I have the Dapol Cleaner and from Lux an Track cleaner and an Vacum Cleaner with Battery. The Battery is very useful when you rarely plays.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for sharing your technique Christian. Regards Charlie

[@SammoKarm]

I wish you a happy new year, thank you for the videos.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

And the same to you Sam, regards Charlie

[@MarchWestJunctionTMD]

Thanks Charlie for the insight into track cleaning as I found it very interesting and informative. The Piko wagon in your video comes in various livery’s BR RTC livery and they also do a BR Railfreight wagon in brown that I think was a couple of pounds cheaper for some unknown reason. Keep safe and well Andy

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Andy, I’m on the hunt for the brown one currently. Regards Charlie

[@TATICMOOR]

Charlie one of the best track cleaning tips I found out about and if you wish to try it give this ago. Cut and sand the ends of a matchbox sized piece of soft white wood and use it as you would as a track rubber then rub it up and down your track. Thats all Charlie and nothing else. It doesn't cost the earth, non-abrasive, and then you can run your Dapol Vac-o-Van with a Class 50 Hoover to pick up any remaining particles. The tip is from Marklin of Sweden KZbin channel. If you want to ditch the HO Network Rail cleaner for a OO gauge version. Take the underframe cleaning mechanism off the HO van and any parts that maybe on in the inside out, probably some counter acting weight to the pad springs. Now get a similar van in OO gauge e.g. a long wheelbase CCT or Ferry Van and reassemble it. As I can see from this film, it is all held together with the two adjustable central rods/bolts/mechanical screws. I would imagine that all the donor van needs, is to remove the underframe detail and drill two holes to pass the rods/bolts/screws back threw into the van and tighten or loosen the mech to rest on the track as before.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent comment John. Guys from Australia and New Zealand tend to use a small block of hardboard as the track cleaning tool. I think I shall give this a go. Regards Charlie

[@barryturner2916]

Hi Charlie many thanks for sharing your video on track cleaning, I am glad you mentioned about the Dapol track cleaner snagging on points, I have a similar layout to yours but only have 320 mm between layers (top and bottom) and true to form the Dapol track cleaner snagged on the worst point to get to breaking it which meant I had a few choice words in replacing the point (Peco Electrofrog), hence I have not used it since. I then brought the Piko track cleaner in blue/red research livery but with the top section of layout being a third rail set up the rubber kept jamming on curves so I tried to reduce the width of the cleaning head but this resulted in jumping off the rails on curves so I tried to add a extra piece to the base of the cleaning head (not the pad but the holder) but this resulted in the plastic threads starting to strip so gave this up. I have returned to cloth and cleaning fluid and a telescopic poll with pad or cloth to get to the hard too reach sections, which in my case is nearly all of my lower section including nine storage lanes, sorry it's a bit long but like a lot of modellers with third rail I would welcome comments or advise. Happy New Year to you, your family and all your subscribers all the best for 2022.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Pinned in the hope of advice Barry.

[@4everdc302]

Track&Rail Cleaner ACT6006 conductive. Slippery at first.BUT softens traction tires.works on worn track jointers,switches&coaches with flickering lights. Use every 6mths.Happy New Years Charlie🚂🇨🇦🇬🇧

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for the insight into your methods. Have a great 2022, regards Charlie

[@davidlawrence8159]

a fantastic year and great information. happy new year to you.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Best wishes for 2022 David. Regards Charlie.

[@jeanbonnefoy1377]

I have to say that European H0 modellers are the lucky ones here: almost all brands (Jouef, Lima, Roco, Fleischmann, Märklin, Piko, Electrotren...) have or had dedicated cleaning waggons using pads and/or brushes, niftily camouflaged as quite realistic tank, box or hopper waggons. Some using the painting scheme and lettering of real life maintenance equipment (like French railways marroon "VB" - aka "Voies et Bâtiments", i.e. "tracks and buildings" - reproduced by Jouef). Some other brands (mostly German) even reproduce real repair and maintenance materials with functional brushes and vacuum cleaners. As for yours truly, I kitbashed one flat waggon with metal brushes and pads (out of my assortment of Dremel bits and tools) motorized thanks to... A Sony 12v DC miniature motor from an old CD discman! This waggon is included in a consist comprising a tank-pad cleaning waggon camouflaged as a real track weeding fluid dispenser, a ballast hopper and a maintenance personnel coach, the whole of it repainted and redecorated with the original track maintenance service markings. For continuous use, I have a few soft pad waggons camouflaged as regular "anonymous" petrol tank or box cars included into one or two of my goods trains so that I have always some cleaning in operation anytime I use my layout.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A great comment Jean. I still find the whole topic to be a nightmare using UK rolling stock. Happy New Year mate regards Charlie

[@thelittlewesternmodelrailway]

Another great video Charlie, thank you for this year, your videos have really helped me iron some things out during layout planning and even provided a calm voice during some long working hours! It's safe to say I'll actually begin my layout next week! Here's wishing you and your family a Happy and prosperous 2022! (And of course, Happy Modelling!) - James

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoy the channel James. Regards Charlie

[@SammoKarm]

Ive got 2 CMX wagons they are a godsend for areas of my layout that I cannot get to without dismantling and removing track boards, as Ive only 4" gap between 2 of my track levels. I have a lot of hidden track with no access. The camera you recommended in a previous video is amazing, by the way. Thank you.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found the camera useful Sam.

[@commodoregs2984]

Another great video Charlie! Best wishes from Germany and a Happy New Year 2022! Günter

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Gunter. Best wishes for 2022. Regards Charlie.

[@petebaer7459]

In reference to the third cleaner you showed, l have several of these, in which l converted my own rollingstock. It is so easy to do as the cleaning pads can be bought seperatly and placed under any piece of rolling stock that has clearance. You wil not need springs to push down the pads as l found that with leaving enough slack on the screws, the pads are heavy enough to rub on the rails.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for sharing your technique Peter. Regards Charlie

[@brewsterred5861]

Yes they are pricey but I love my CMX car. It makes the cleaning job so simple and quick. I use mineral spirits in it. Cheers!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Rick, for sharing your technique. Regards Charlie

[@ngaugefouroaksstreetstatio6932]

All the best Charlie for 2022

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

And the same to you mate, regards Charlie

[@MatthewDawkinsUK]

Great comparison of those wagons. Hornby did a track cleaning wagon too, back in the day, based on their 4-wheeled chassis. I've got a couple lying around somewhere, same principle as that Piko one, with lightly abrasive pads underneath. Hardly "prototypical", but at least it's OO gauge. But what works for me is a wipe with IPA (once a year??) followed by a light application of graphite, plus running trains regularly (maybe once a week or so), and that keeps even my old steel track in pristine working order. Oh, and covering the layout with a sheet or something when not in use, so that dust and spiders don't settle anywhere on it. Happy New Year, Charlie! Here's to a great 2022.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for sharing your technique Matthew. Best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@darrylmeredith7895]

Hi Charlie - thanks for making 2021 a bit more bearable (is that spelt right?) and certainly a lot more entertaining - have a great 2022!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Darryl, best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@ianjames1352]

I have a dapol track cleaner. I used it the same as you do with the cmx cleaner. Unfortunately one wire on the dapol cleaner broke off and now I am trying to get it to work again. I find the depol cleaner needed to be designed better then they have it. Cmx cleaner works well also good for keeping rolling stock wheels clean. I found it funny you hanging track on the washing line 🤣🤣I don't know if it as bad hanging tea bags up to dry.. All the best for 2022

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Ian. Regards Charlie

[@delphjunction1168]

Hi Charlie. Just got a load of second hand track, thanks for the ideas. You're an inspiration to most of us in all you do. You don't just tell you show us. Love all your scenic vlogs, sorry when you start on dcc can't watch because I'm a technophobe, dc for me I'm afraid. Have a fantastic new year mucker. Pete and Su.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

What a heartwarming comment Peter, best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie

[@trainsinpoland]

Happy New Year to you and your family Charlie. Greetings from Poland. Although I run N gauge I always enjoy, and learn from, your videos.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Ian, best wishes for 2022, regards Charlie