Track cleaning sharge vs cmx

[@piccadillymodelrailways]

An interesting video. I’ve got the N gauge SHARGE, it’s ok and does work. They don’t make N gauge any more. In OO I like the idea of the CMX buts it’s HO , that puts my off if I’m honest

[@stocktonjunction]

I thought the same but as its only used every now and then just for maintenance the size issue doesn't really bother me as I take it off the layout before I run trains etc

[@geordielad9636]

Hello, I have been using the CMX for about 3 years and love it. I did buy the the old version of the sharge at the same time I bought the CMX, but sold the sharge as nowhere near as good as the CMX. My reason for contacting you is I cannot find any dealers in the UK that can supply CMX cloth strip/pads, the one I have found is out of stock. I don't want to buy from America for cost reasons. What I am wondering is would the sharge cleaning cloth/pad work on my CMX? I have looked online at sharge and a strip of cloth is £4 and £5.90 postage! So very expensive just to see if sharge cloth will work on my CMX. I would appreciate your help, Bill.

[@stocktonjunction]

I haven't tried the sharge cloth on my cmx yet as I haven't run out but providing the thickness and withs are pretty much the same I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work. Found some available but only 1 left in stock so be quick www.coastaldcc.co.uk/products/cmx/cmx-ho-pads

[@stocktonjunction]

I will have a look shortly to see if the sharge cloth is suitable if it is due to postage I would suggest ordering several to make the most of the outrageous pnp cost 😀

[@stocktonjunction]

Hi after checking the cloths the sharge cloth is approximately the same width. Close enough to use but it's thinner by about a third although u could still use it but may need to adjust the ride depth of the plate by a fraction of a mm to compensate for it..

[@geordielad9636]

Thank you so much for taking the time to investigate my question to you and your replies were very helpful indeed. I will check out CoastalDCC for the last one. I'm surprised the Sharge material is so much thinner! the CMX is quite thin. I wash the CMX pads and use them over and over till they are thread bare on the back. So I cannot see the Sharge material lasting very long? I think I will try posting on REM to see if anyone is using another type of material? and will let you know my results if any. Again my appreciation for your help, Bill.

[@stocktonjunction]

@geordielad9636 to be fair I just throw my pads once worn never washed them so I'm not sure how long they would last 🤔

[@markpoynter5761]

I wonder if the rusting is caused by using rubbing alcohol? This is usually 70% isopropyl and 30% water. It might be better to use pure isopropanol 99.9%.

[@stocktonjunction]

That's a valid point. I do use an 80% myself but worth trying