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Track cleaning is a minefield


Country joe

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Many people use IPA (Isopropyl alcohol) which is probably the best solvent for track and wheel cleaning.  A slightly less effective cleaner (because it's not so pure) which I use and is a bit cheaper easier to obtain, is methylated spirits.

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If you have got really deep pockets, then look at the CMX Track Cleaner. I've never seen a bad or lack lustre review of this product. If your pockets are not so deep then have a look at this similar competitive product.

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http://www.model-trainstrack-cleaner.co.uk/product/00-gauge-track-cleaner-esso/

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One of the two customer reviews on this page was written by me.

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Yeah the CMX looks a good one, but if you have a six by four can't see the benefit  of spending  that much.

Quite liked the Gaugemaster 6M60 wheel brush, but if you have a long loco, or a steam with tender, you have to purchase two and put them together, more expensive, I was using a track rubber with a cleaner afterwords and a vacuum cleaner with small brush on the lowest setting, but read that this could damage points, lifting some spring, but mine seem fine.

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Hi ,,,,I've only ever used methylated spirits and find its good enough ,,,but I do clean the tracks regular ,and I can honestly say that I rarely clean the loco wheels and I run dcc which they say needs a higher level of cleanliness,,,

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If you have got really deep pockets, then look at the CMX Track Cleaner. I've never seen a bad or lack lustre review of this product. If your pockets are not so deep then have a look at this similar competitive product.

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http://www.model-trainstrack-cleaner.co.uk/product/00-gauge-track-cleaner-esso/

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One of the two customer reviews on this page was written by me.

Thanks Chrissaf, I'll be getting one of these, Been looking for something like this for ages! Been reluctant on getting the cmx because of price and availability. For the price of the cmx I could get a nice loco! 

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At the risk of being shouted at, i find track cleaning, a bit of a myth. I use mt Dapol  hoover cleaner, before i run dc, or DCC, having one for both layouts. The amount  they pick up, simply as Hoovers, beggars belief. Thats it. I dont actually clean track at all, other than 3 rail, with a jiffy green scourer. My trains still perform, as they should. They are no slower than when track new, and installed. john

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Eric, That happend to RogerB recently. Yet another forum bug that seems to strike randomly. Worth reporting it in the forum Feedback section.

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@SoT

I think you'll find 08 is looking to buy the Sharge unit not the CMX. The Sharge unit is significantly lighter than the CMX.

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Is yours the earlier version with the flow control on the side. Mine is based on the revised smaller tank (later version) with the flow control on the top of the tank. As per image below. Not sure, but I think the tank may be the N gauge version tank but on a 00 chassis. It is certainly the same style as the N gauge tank, if not the actual same tank used.

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00 Gauge Version

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