Wheel Cleaners for my Eizan 900

[Mudkip Orange]

My E531 has never gone more than a few months without running, and it runs like a dream.

But my Eizan 900 "Kirara" sat unused for something like four years, from about 2003 to 2007. There is a fair amount of corrosion on the wheels, and you can tell by the way it runs. Oddly, it actually runs faster / less jerkily on curves, I presume because the flanges are increasing the electrical contact area.

What would y'all recommend as a good wheel cleaning lubricant? And how would you suggest going about cleaning it? I figure dabbing with a Q-tip seems like the obvious route, but I'm curious as to others' techniques.

[Toni Babelony]

I use some kind of metal/brass brush-cleaner for my driving wheels. I bought it from Conrad, but it's probably based on a MINITRIX wheel cleaner. Is a bit harsh on traction tires, but you just have be careful when cleaning.

[to2leo]

I swear by this.  So much so that I bought another from my recent trip.


Because it is clean by vibration, you can run your freight cars and passenger cars on it too!

[CaptOblivious]

I swear by this.  So much so that I bought another from my recent trip.

Because it is clean by vibration, you can run your freight cars and passenger cars on it too!

Really? Because I'm sick of disassembling the 20 non-powered trucks on my E231-500 for cleaning every few months. If that really can clean non-powered wheels effectively, I'm gonna have to get that.

Mudkip:
If the problem really is corrosion, your best bet is to get an abrasive cleaner like the one that Toni suggested. Or you could disassemble the trucks and do it by hand with a little scouring pad (I like Mr. Clean Magic Erasers for this sort of thing; relatively gentle so it's hard to over-do it, but with some elbow grease can really make metal sparkle. Those green plastic scouring pads you can get at the grocery store cut into little strips might be good too.)

[Lawrence]

I use the minitrix one and have found it excellent so far, if you have trouble getting one I can point you the way of a UK supplier if that helps.  They also have flanges at either end so you may connect 2 or 3 if you have a long train to clean (or are running Big Boys!!)

I would never suggest using any lubricant anywhere near wheels or track as even the smallest amount of residue will collect muck and make life difficult for you.  Whatever method you choose, keep it a dry product, you could also try a fibre glass pen (just don't get the fibres in your fingers)

[to2leo]

Yes, the tomix wheel cleaner track will clean non-powered wheels.  That's why I have been using it to get constant illumination in my passenger cars. 

[David]

What kind of power the Tomix cleaning track use (AC/DC?). Anything special that would prevent it from being spliced onto a non-Tomix controller?

Does it need any chemicals/supplies?

[to2leo]

The track only needs to be connected to existing tracks in order to operate.  There is an on/off button one the part where you install the polishing pads.  You can connected to a transformer but there is no need.

[Mudkip Orange]

The track only needs to be connected to existing tracks in order to operate.  There is an on/off button one the part where you install the polishing pads.  You can connected to a transformer but there is no need.

You said it uses vibration?

[to2leo]

white pads on each side sway side to side....sounds like a rattle snake. 

[lordwinslow2]

I love my Eizan 900 sets, but my question is until I get a wheel cleaner like the one listed a few posts up, what is the best cleaner to use on the wheels with a cloth.  I know IPA is not good with Kato gear and not recommended, what do you folks use?  I have been using a deluted windex and water, get the cloth damp enough to feel a bit wet, then I scrub the wheels.  Then let it dry good and it seems to work. 

Winslow

[rpierce000]

We have a loop in the warehouse with four of the Tomix cleaners on it to polish up used equipment. We used to do it by hand, but the results were spotty. I ruined one shell with an "approved" solvent and other substances were of even less use. Now I get to run trains and I am "working"!

I use alcohol and paper towels on the test tracks and am still looking for a Tomix cleaning car for the layout. (Yes, I have some on reserve for the new release)