Cleaning Locomotive Wheels

[dennisfalcon]

Hi All

What is the best way to clean the wheels on model locomotives and units please?

Thanks

Paul

[Nev S]

I use a Peco wheel cleaning brush and scraper that I've had for ages. Does the job but more modern ideas may have been devised in the intervening years, although they are still available I believe.

[martyn]

Depends how much dirt; I use a small jeweller's screwdriver to gently remove heavy stuff, but lighter dirt I use IPA on a cotton bud; also a Minitrix (now Gaugemaster?) wire wheel cleaner which has the advantage of powering the motor and scraping the wheels as they turn.

On wagons or coaches, I use IPA dripped onto a piece of rag; the rag is draped over a spare piece of track, and run the wagon or coach back and forwards until it's clean.

No proof, but plastic wheels (eg Peco wagon) seem to pick up more dirt than metal tyred ones.

Martyn

[ntpntpntp]

The question comes up repeatedly. There's no definitive "best way" as people have their own preferred methods and reasons why it's best for them. Try the forum search facilities, you'll find plenty of posts for and against various ways of cleaning wheels 

[Portpatrick]

I agree with Martyn that plastic wheels seem to pick up clag more readily than metal.  I have replace the wheel on all my Peco wagons with metal.  They run better as well - less friction.  I also have one of those powered brushes like the ex Minitrix one.  Mine came from Conrad Electronics.  Is more tricky when dealing with some locos eg Union Mills which pick up one side of the loco and return the other side of the tender!  I also use IPA or meths on a rag.  I also have a polisher with crocodile clips to attach to the rails.  Manufacturer is Tsugawa.  Cannot recall where I bought it.  I like it as it is not abrasive in the way wire brushes are. 

[Newportnobby]

Depends how much dirt; I use a small jeweller's screwdriver to gently remove heavy stuff, but lighter dirt I use IPA on a cotton bud; also a Minitrix (now Gaugemaster?) wire wheel cleaner which has the advantage of powering the motor and scraping the wheels as they turn.

I'm sure Martyn would agree to keep IPA away from wheels fitted with traction tyres. I also have one of the Trix wire brushes but, again, don't use it on wheels with tyres and also don't press down too hard or exposed gears may grind on the plastic centre line of the brush

[martyn]

I fully agree with NPN; keep IPA (and stray oil) away from traction tyres.

Though I have the Minitrix cleaner, it rarely gets used as I check locos after each exhibition, and clean them before too much crud accumulates.

Martyn

[Dr Al]

Also, be very careful with IPA and loco cosmetic finishes - it can take them off.

I've used it as a print/paint stripper frequently - it'll take off Minitrix paint, for example, very easily.

So be careful!

Cheers,
Alan

[Jim Easterbrook]

IPA also strips the paint from Kato track sleepers, so be careful about track choice if doing the IPA soaked rag on some track thing.