Gaugemaster wheel cleaner

[zwilnik]

Picked one of these up today at the Gaugemaster Open Day, just tested it and I have to say it does seem to work rather well.

http://www.gaugemaster.com/item_details.asp?code=GM47

price £29.95

Its selling point is that it's (theoretically) less abrasive than the wire brush ones like the Peco or the old Minitrix one so it shouldn't damage traction tyres. Plus it's done as a long bed with 2 'rails' so you can just clip it to the track or power supply and hold an engine over it to clean the wheels. I found myself having to lift up some of my heavier Farish diesels to let the wheels run at first, but they can be pushed into the conductive foam for a more rigorous clean too.

I was doubtful whether the wheels would get properly cleaned as it looks like only the edge of the rims would actually rub against the cleaning surface of the foam, but they do sink in pretty well and the whole wheel tyre surface seems to clean.

What they don't mention on the box that I find out by a bit of trial and error is that it's also handy for cleaning non powered wheels. I've got an old Fleischmann 0-6-0 tender engine that I bought second hand where it's tender powered but the pickups are in the engine wheels. As you can't scrub those clean on any of the powered wheel cleaners (as the engine wheels only turn when it's moving forwards) it's been a problem. What I found with the Gaugemaster cleaner though, is that you can hold the engine upside down and gently hold the wheels while rubbing the cleaner over it like a file. Letting the wheels turn a little bit each pass. This worked a treat on the previously stuttery engine

It'll be interesting to see how long the cleaning pads last, but they seem fairly durable (and they're long enough that you can simply use a different spot if you wear part of it out). Replacement pads are £16 which is a bit steep, but I'm not sure if they'll be needed that soon.

Had a look in the reviews section and didn't spot a Gaugemaster or "other bits" section, so bunged this here for the moment

[Newportnobby]

Thanks for posting this. I'll have a word with the powers that be for a Gaugemaster section as per other manufacturers. Having been at TINGS today I think a lot of interest will be generated in our gauge with the resultant questioning about controllers, electronic track cleaners etc

[poliss]

£29.95, that's a massive mark up when it's only  £13.09 (£17.37 inc. postage) from Plaza Japan.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wheel-Polish-Cleaner-N-scale-motorized-trains-/360361894930?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item53e73e2412

[kiwi1941]

£29.95, that's a massive mark up when it's only  £13.09 (£17.37 inc. postage) from Plaza Japan.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wheel-Polish-Cleaner-N-scale-motorized-trains-/360361894930?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item53e73e2412

I agree. I got mine from Japan too but Gaugemaster have never been cheap/given discounts as far as I can tell.

Maybe their name's a mis-spelling for "Gougemaster" 

[poliss]

Unitrack was just as expensive when there was only one importer. Prices have dropped since they got competition.

[Buffin]

I bought from Plaza Japan through ebay. No problems at all - as you'd expect given their thousands of positive reports.

The instructions are in Japanese. Don't let that put you off - the manufacturer's site has a self-explanatory video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlEl_IszIfk&feature=player_detailpage

[Crackerbill]

With advice from Polis (track and wheel cleaning fluids thread) I bought one of these wheel cleaners dirct from Plaza.

I agree that they are very efficient in the cleaning game and of course the price is much more realistic.  

Plaza also sends things out very quickly, in fact is much quicker than some established retailers we all love and hate.

[John YouChoos]

Yup, agree it is a useful piece of equipment.  I use it on all locos now as a first-point of cleaning... gets the basic grime off the wheel surface that touches the rail at least.  Also like the fact that you can just plonk it down and it starts up cleaning all motorised wheels - very quick for a basic clean.
However, it doesn't get near the insides of the wheels where most models have the pickups, so I still switch to the Peco brush afterwards to finish the job.  A fine tool nonetheless.

[DaveGlew]

Just dug out this old thread as I was researching expensive wheel cleaning gismos. I wonder, has anyone tried making their own wheel cleaning tool using conductive foam (I'm guessing Gaugemaster use something similar) but this looks like a cheap solution?           https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F152465894162

[silly moo]

The Gaugemaster cleaner costs £37.50 now! which is an incentive to try and make your own. I have the Woodland Scenics version which works quite well for diesels but not for steam locos, especially those with delicate running gear such as Dapol ones.

[Delboy]

Just dug out this old thread as I was researching expensive wheel cleaning gismos. I wonder, has anyone tried making their own wheel cleaning tool using conductive foam (I'm guessing Gaugemaster use something similar) but this looks like a cheap solution?           https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F152465894162

Just found it cheaper if you don't mind waiting for it to come from China.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2Pcs-5mm-High-Density-Foam-ESD-Antistatic-Conductive-Pin-Insertion-200mmx200mm/192513767464?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3D53cda32bedc54983b92d57b0552ac90f%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D152465894162%26itm%3D192513767464&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

[ntpntpntp]

Similar design of wheel cleaner is sold under different brand names - Woodland Scenics, Gaugemaster and others. 

I have a Tsugawa (TGW) one, they're currently around £14-£15 plus post from Japan.

Can't say I've actually used it much, I'm happy with the good old Minitrix block.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Tsugawa-Yokou-12503-Wheel-Polish-Cleaner-for-N-Scale-Motorized-Trains/18009574138?iid=352691758620