Old LifeLike Track Cleaner

[lirrman]

I know this is a Bachmann site but I'm asking about an old LifeLike track cleaning caboose, item #08584.  I've looked all over, including HO Seeker, to find out what the little, turn-able, square thing is sticking out of the tank top.  What happens when it's turned? Did some kind of "key" originally came with this?  Just curious. 

[Hunt]

The usual suspect would be that "turn-able, square thing" controls the flow of the liquid content in the tank to the pad.

[lirrman]

Makes sense - but how much turning do you do.  I'll have to practice.  Thanks.

[Hunt]

Suggest putting no liquid in tank. Apply directly to pad thus you directly control the amount.

[jbrock27]

I had one of these when I was 10; it stunk as a track cleaner then, as much as it stinks now.  Better to spend your track cleaning budget and time elsewhere and clean the track either with; a) soft style "bright" boy, b) WD-40 on a lint free rag, c) Wahl's Clipper Oil, d) track cleaning car with hard board pad on the bottom.

[the Bach-man]

Dear All,
I know this will sound like a shameless plug (it is, after all, our site...), but our new EZ Track Cleaner really is the best I've
ever used.  I apply it with one of those Starbuck's coffee cup collars (I don't know what they're called) and it gives great results!
Have fun!
the Bach-man

[Hunt]

Depending on the rail material, makeup of the contaminants on the rail, environment around the track, and a few other things; there are more cons than pros to using abrasive cleaner, WD-40, Wahl's Clipper Oil, and the like. There is a time, place, and limit for using those.   70% isopropyl alcohol or if rail slippery from oil and grease use Goo Gone on clean lint free cloth wrapped on track cleaning block or the like and elbow grease is all that is needed to effectively keep track rails clean. It is a must to remove their residue.  Use powered wheel spin method to clean locomotive wheel tread.



An aside ---
Bach-man, keep close watch as Starbucks has changed and reduced the amount of raw material used to make their "hot- cup sleeve."

[lirrman]

Thank you Bach Man.  I'll give it a try.  Since I've never been to a Starbucks I'll have to track one down.  Just plain old coffee for me.  Thanks.                                                    

[Flare]

our new EZ Track Cleaner really is the best I've ever used.

Are you talking about the E-Z Lube cleaning fluid or a new product that applies it to the rails?

[jbrock27]

there are more cons than pros to using abrasive cleaner, WD-40, Wahl's Clipper Oil

You do understand there are differences between various "track cleaning blocks" that are out there, do you not?  And that there is a wide range of how "abrasive" they are?  Never heard of WD-40 or Wahl's being poor choices or having "cons" as track cleaners.  WD-40 is a terrific wheel cleaner, for wheels made from a variety of metals, you just hinted at that method yourself.  When is the time & place and what are the limits, if you don't mind?  Seems to me method of application and removal have more to do with any cons than the actual products themselves.

An aside---

70% isopropyl alcohol or if rail slippery from oil and grease use Goo Gone on clean lint free cloth wrapped on track cleaning block or the like and elbow grease is all that is needed to effectively keep track rails clean.

---if this is your disposition, why not then state so from the get go?

A further aside---

Starbucks is overpriced and is all about image and marketing....

[Bucksco]

The Bach man is referring to this product:
http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=264_483&products_id=6488

And Starbucks coffee is superior. If you go for a plain cup of coffee it doesn't cost much more than any other coffee shop - just my opinion....

[Joe323]

Tim Hortons coffee has the same thing and is cheaper imho.

But I just use a paper towel.

[the Bach-man]

I don't even DRINK coffee- but the finger savers work great for cleaning track.
the Bach-man

[James in FL]

Anybody have a link to the MSDS ...of the cleaner, ...not the coffee?
I haven't found one.
Would be interesting to see the ingredients.

[the Bach-man]

Here is the link for the MSDS:

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/MSDS99992TrackCleaner.pdf

Here is a review in the NMRA magazine:

http://achlubes.com/testimonials/

Have fun!
the Bach-man