CMX Track Cleaning Car - Does it work?

[Noel]

Hi Folks

 

Has anybody used the 00/H0 CMX track cleaning car? Is it any good on Peco 100?

 

Thanks

Noel

[Flying Scotsman 4472]

Yes

[BosKonay]

Yes. It's a lovely weighty thing that does a good job at keeping track clean.

[DiveController]

Also good for Peco Code 75?

[Noel]

Thanks guys. It looked a nice product, but good to get a positive recommendation from folks who have actually used it.

[BosKonay]

Yep, I use mine on all peco code 75, works a charm.

[Dave]

It's probably the best track cleaner out there, all brass construction very heavy. Comes with Kadee and MEM couplings if bought in the UK.

[Noel]

It's probably the best track cleaner out there, all brass construction very heavy. Comes with Kadee and MEM couplings if bought in the UK.

 

Thanks guys. Its expensive but seems worth it.

 

Q - What solvent to you normally use?

 

i.e to avoid damage to plastics, especially peco flexitrack. (white spirits, acetone, etc). Acentone is not plastic friendly.

[Dave]

Some use methylated spirits, white spirits will leave an oily residue. Or get track cleaner, DCC supplies and Digi trains both sell the CMX and do their own track cleaner.

[Noel]

Just some feedback and thanks to those who gave me advice. Received delivery of an HO gauge CMX track clean over the Christmas break, but didn't get a chance to try it until a few evenings ago. It came only with Kadee couplings. Ran it behind an MM 141 and found it very effective. It is understandably very heavy and nearly stopped the loco over some point work due additional friction. Next time I will run it double headed with a pair of 141s . I used it with methylated spirits, but next time might try acetone. Before next use with acetone, will pre-test the fluid against spare underlay and track just it cause it causes any kind of chemical reaction or damage. I ran it slowly twice around each loop, and then another four loops at medium speeds. One or two points not cleaned for 10 years needed a few direct wipes with cotton buds soaked in solution. Other than that it is a heck of a lot easier and quicker than my old methods using cloth blocks by hand.

 

Any further words of advise or wisdom would be welcome.

[Broithe]

I've never heard of anybody having any issues, but I do wonder about flammable solvents and the possibility of the odd spark..?

[Noel]

I've never heard of anybody having any issues, but I do wonder about flammable solvents and the possibility of the odd spark..?

 

Well next time I clean track I'll wear a hi vis jacket, helmet and have a fire extinguisher to hand. (just kidding). The corduroy cloth is just damp with cleaning fluids such as methylated spirits, acetone, etc, which while flammable are a bit like paraffin and diesel, difficult to ignite. The CMX itself is all metal construction. But you raise an interesting point, and one I had never considered before. I guess if folk allowed excessive cleaning agent to leak onto the track/sleepers and/or underlay/ballast the risk would be greater, but used properly only the rails get a wipe of the cleaning fluid, and should never come into contact with the sleepers or ballast.

 

So far I am reasonably impressed with it's cleaning ability. A simple idea well implemented and despite the excessive price I think it is worth it. Think of all the track work of some layouts that is not easy to access for hand cleaning like under baseboards, under scenery, etc, with this thing you just drive it around out of sight.

[WRENNEIRE]

The DAPOL rail cleaner is quite effective as well

Needs a little yellow paint though

 

[murrayec]

Or in green?

 

[Kinvara-Train]

Hello from the west,

this is a sampele of Track+Smoke fluid what will be in my regulary stock in Bray next Sunday 01.03.15,it is safe on plastic,rubber,metal etc.it is used a lot by quiet a few forum members.It also keeps the track clean for a long time.

Best regards

Walter

[murrayec]

Hi

 

Yes, SR24 that's the stuff I use in the green thing! It does not harm plastic at all, and it can be used to clean motors and make smoke!

 

Eoin