Which track cleaning car should I get?

[Len]

The 'orange sticks' are available in different lengths, and look like this:



I don't put anything on them, just get the loco's wheels spinning and use the pointed end to get stuff out of the flange/tread angle, the the chisel end to clean up the tread.

Len

[RAM]

Transmission fluid I am sure would work, but I would think there would be better products.  I would wonder what you layout would smell like after using it. Over the years, & I am over a lot of years. I have read many things work for this or that.  Then you never hear anything about them again.  Stove polish for painting steam locomotives.  Have any of you painted a steam locomotive with stove polish. No, what is stove polish?  Well it will work, but I think there are better products to use.  All I can say is if you want to try it fine.  If you like it, keep using it. It is not going to kill your layout. BUT DON"T DRINK IT.  I had to add that for the EPA or what ever it is>

[jbrock27]

Thanks Len.  What are they made of?

Transmission fluid I am sure would work, but I would think there would be better products.

Several folks have reported that one of the liquids sold for the specific purpose of track cleaning, smells a lot like Transmission Fluid.  Coincidence.....?

[WoundedBear]

Marvel Mystery Lube.......lol.

Sid

[Len]

'Orange Sticks' are called that because originally they were made from orange tree wood, and have a distinctive odor. Some still are, but you have to check the label, because a lot are made from just about any cheap wood these days.

Len

[jbrock27]

Thank you Len.

[Trainman203]

My friend has a track cleaning car that rubs the rail with a pad.  It hangs up on every rail joint, switch point, or switch frog/guard rail that is the slightest NASA tolerance molecule out of perfect alignment. I'm glad I saw that before I bought one.

[RAM]

If it hangs up, than there is something wrong with it.  If it is a replaceable pad, it may need to be replaced or not installed correctly.

[BIG BEAR]

+Flare,
   I have this track cleaning car in On30 and just Love it.
I only use the pads not the sand paper pads as I think this would be too abrasive,  :

http://www.mnpinc.com/on30.htm

Enjoy,
  Barry

[WilsonProductions2]

*!MY FIRST POST IN 2017!*

I have heard from people who do own the Dapol Track Cleaner, that it is good. Better than the Hornby one, which is just a 4-Wheeled Coach and has been in production since the 1980's and is getting more expensive every year anyway! It's already has the RRP of £30.00, which is too much for what it is!

If I were you, I would buy the Dapol Track Cleaner.