Cleaning LGB Lok wheels

[FurkaSOCal]

Hello all,

Recently I've been considering cleaning my locomotive wheels with a Dremel tool. I have attachments that are similar to a scotch pad which I use with great success for cleaning track. Also I just picked up a softer felt type attachment that is advertised as being specifically for polishing brass and metal which I think might work nicely.

In the past I have just been using the smoke fluid/paper-towel on the track method, but that doesn't seem to cut through the hard packed stuff that accumulates. (I've attached a picture of the type of dirt I'm talking about but I'm sure you all know!)

I just wanted to see what thoughts everyone had about using the Dremel to clean the wheels, I don't want to scratch anything!

 

[trammayo]

I wouldn't use any powered tool or abrasive to clean wheels. Instead, I use meths (wood alcohol), or Isopropynol, on cotton bud sticks - don't overdo the application of the liquid it might splash elswhere!

I just turn the loco over, cradled in a suitable cardboard box and apply power - either to the pick-up skates or wheels.

I have also found that the multi-surface wipes (for kitchen use) are very good also. For the latter, make sure the bulk of the wipe is in your hand - a finger tip is sufficient to get the wipe on the tyre tread - otherwise, if it's loose and dangling down it might get caught in the motion (don't ask how I know!).

 

[dunnyrail]

As Mick says never abrasive on the Plated Wheels. However to me it looks very much like there may be some pitting in the Plating on those wheels. If so and it is affecting running new wheels could be the only option. But as Mick described if his cleaning suggestion works and gets things running ok do not worry too much. If you remove the plating in any way you will end up with the Brass below which will tarnish even quicker.

 

[PhilP]

I would also run the loco with moistened cotton-buds, but also do the backs of the wheels..

Then check continuity down each side of the loco.

 

[Rhinochugger]

I know the sort of felt tool you mean for the dremel - the difficulty is in using a circular tool on a circular wheel, there's not going to be a lot of contact.

Loco wheels are easiest cleaned, as others have said, with the motion running slowly, then either the cleaning fluids mentioned above or acetone (your good lady's nail polish remover) using a small piece of cloth or the cotton bud - doesn't take long and deals with some of the worst build ups of crud.

 

[dutchelm]

A cotton bud & a bit of spit on a slowly turning wheel works wonders.

 

[stockers]

I use something like this - a soft brass brush

 

[Greg Elmassian]

I use a brass or stainless steel wire brush in a Dremel, that cleans them up quickly and safely, then use a solvent to clean, since the wire brushes will get oil/grease on the wires themselves.

Greg

 

[Gavin Sowry]

......... but also do the backs of the wheels..

Good advice, particularly if there are plunger type pick ups rubbing on the backs of the wheels.
Often, this can be the cause of poor running, rather than the wheel treads themselves.... think about it.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

If you have plunger pickup, making sure the rubbing area is smooth and clean is of paramount importance. I also use the "conducta-lube" stuff that supposedly does not gum up carbon brushes...

Greg

 

[Bill Barnwell]

Hello all,

Recently I've been considering cleaning my locomotive wheels with a Dremel tool. I have attachments that are similar to a scotch pad which I use with great success for cleaning track. Also I just picked up a softer felt type attachment that is advertised as being specifically for polishing brass and metal which I think might work nicely.

In the past I have just been using the smoke fluid/paper-towel on the track method, but that doesn't seem to cut through the hard packed stuff that accumulates. (I've attached a picture of the type of dirt I'm talking about but I'm sure you all know!)

I just wanted to see what thoughts everyone had about using the Dremel to clean the wheels, I don't want to scratch anything!

I clean mine with a dremel and us the pictured bit which doesn't harm the metal

 

[Greg Elmassian]

I have those too, but they wear quickly, and don't get in the "corner" between the flange and the tread.

They are awfully expensive for how long they last...

Greg

 

[stockers]

How often do people clean the wheels? Many of my locos have never been cleaned. The unplated wheels on the Piko Rotcamel probably get done once or twice a year.

 

[Rhinochugger]

How often do people clean the wheels? Many of my locos have never been cleaned. The unplated wheels on the Piko Rotcamel probably get done once or twice a year.

The 2-8-0 Connies - never
The 4-6-0 Annie - twice a year

So why the difference? both wheels are plated

The battery stock - much more freuqently, not for conductivity purposes but because the crud collects in quantities by why on the locos and not on the rolling stock ?



It seems to be a bit like in the '70s when the BRE built a structure in a boggy field without damp courses to study rising damp. A few years later they were still waiting for the damp to rise, and the only conclusion that they could draw was that rising damp was unpredictable except of course when Leonard Rossiter was on screen and then it was predictably funny

 

[Dan]

I cut my LGB track cleaner pads into three pieces and use these to 'polish' the loco wheels.
They look almost new after I do this.

 

[FurkaSOCal]

Great info thank you! I need to clean this locos wheels fairly regularly since it's small and doesn't have as much surface area for pickup like my larger models. (The big locos I've never cleaned yet)

 

[FurkaSOCal]

I clean mine with a dremel and us the pictured bit which doesn't harm the metal

do you happen to have a model number or something for that? I have brushes that look very similar.

 

[dunnyrail]

The battery stock - much more freuqently, not for conductivity purposes but because the crud collects in quantities by why on the locos and not on the rolling stock ?

Just a thought, I have a Wizzy Cranks that was conveted to BatteryPower getting on for 10 years ago now. All the Track ick ups and interal Circuit Board taken out with no "Back" Connection from any power to the Wheels. Just this minute looked at the wheels and they are as ckean as the day I batterificated it.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Dremel has a quck release madrel, and several items that connect to it.

I believe the illustration was of something similar to this:

These are about 3/4" in diameter, and come in several grades of "scotchbrite" material... like the green stuff on your kitchen sponge.

The quick release mandrel fits into the "Butterfly" opening... these are scratch free. but they wear very quickly, so I am back to the small wire brush for my dremel... held at an angle with the wheels turning, do a very good job and no scratches I see...

Again 3/4" in diameter...

 

[Gizzy]

I use something like this - a soft brass brush
View attachment 244596

I have one of those LGB wheel cleaners too....