Cleaning plastic wheels on cars

Chessie_SD50_8563 May 17, 2000

  1. Chessie_SD50_8563

    Chessie_SD50_8563 Permanently dispatched

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    A majority of my cars have developed a build-up of a black gunky stuff on the wheels. How should I clean them and what should I use that wont damage the plastic.

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    Theres no such thing as having to many coal hoppers or GP40-2 when you model Chessie System
    LONG LIVE THE KITTEN!!!
    LONG LIVE BIG BLUE!!!
     
  2. Larry39401

    Larry39401 TrainBoard Member

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    <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chessie_SD50_8563:
    A majority of my cars have developed a build-up of a black gunky stuff on the wheels. How should I clean them and what should I use that wont damage the plastic.

    <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

    The best thing to do is to replace them with metal wheels. Kadee, Proto 2000, I-M, JayBee etc. They collect less dirt & track better.
     
  3. Chessie_SD50_8563

    Chessie_SD50_8563 Permanently dispatched

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    Unfortunately replacing the wheels is not a option because I can not afford to convert my entire fleet of cars

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    Theres no such thing as having to many coal hoppers or GP40-2 when you model Chessie System
    LONG LIVE THE KITTEN!!!
    LONG LIVE BIG BLUE!!!
     
  4. BC Rail King

    BC Rail King E-Mail Bounces

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    Do what I did,

    I used to gather extra plastic wheels at great prices, and phase them in and out of service. Then, when it was time to clean I stuck them in alchol and used a screw driver to scrap off the stuck that was really stuck on.

    Happy Railroading!

    Dane N.

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    TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King
    TAMR2860@hotmail.com
     
  5. AFN

    AFN TrainBoard Member

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    I clean car wheels the same as I do loco wheels. I have a supply of GOO GONE which I squirt on a quilted paper towel. I lay the wet paper towel over the rails with the power on full and set one truck of the loco on the rail the other on the towel. This works real well. When the wheels are shiny again I run them over a dry spot on the towel to make sure they are dry. I clean car wheels much the same way. Wet the towel and roll the cars over it. Same effect, the towel has two very dirty streaks in it and I have clean wheels.
     
  6. slynch

    slynch E-Mail Bounces

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    Chessie_SD50_8563: Hi I have about 100 cars and felt it was impossible. I watched the fellow next to me at work (20 year layout) and he put aside $5 a week, purchased the metal wheel sets and replaced them over a year 1998. I'm almost done 14 months later. Do it if you can. Track better, Pull more cars. Less derails, weight of flats/hoppers lower, etc.

    I now do it along with changing to KD's as required, weathering, and adding to database progam.

    I put this off for 20 years. Glad it is almost done, next...! <G>




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  7. StickyMonk

    StickyMonk TrainBoard Member

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    i converted all mine to KD's about 2 years ago cost a fortune but hardly ever have black gunge on wheels, also try puting a computer mouse near your layoout as they seem to attract black gunge as well [​IMG]

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    wheres all the C636's????
    stickymonk.com
    Matts Photo gallery
     
  8. ChrisDante

    ChrisDante TrainBoard Member

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    <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chessie_SD50_8563:
    A majority of my cars have developed a build-up of a black gunky stuff on the wheels. How should I clean them and what should I use that wont damage the plastic.
    <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>.

    I must agree with the majority. You have to change over to metal wheels, especially if you are using DCC or are going to. It seems as though the track power ionizes the plastic wheels and causes them to leave a deposit on the tracks, which over time acts as a wonder insulator. The black grunge [​IMG] is the plastic itself deteriorating.
    LOL



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    When in doubt, empty your magazine.
     
  9. rmathos

    rmathos TrainBoard Member

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    I think a big issue is rearing its ugly head here that needs to be delt with: He does NOT have to switch over to metal wheels- he CAN clean the ones he has, and furthermore, continue to love model RRing without much money. For 40 years nice, well intentioned fellow model RRers have told me different versions of the same story, and made me feel, on occasion, like a second class citizen because I couldn't afford to do- whatever it was. This hobby can be enjoyed on a shoe string- you can buy freight cars that operate adaquetly well for two or three dollars each [IHC}, even today. There are clearances out there if you look in Model RRer- I just bought over three dozen beautiful Rivarossi passenger cars for $6.99 each plus postage, and I'm happy as a bug with different road names mixed together. My point is, encourage people on budgets and help them find inexpensive alternatives so they can go on enjoying the hobby. It's really discouraging when the budget demands you buy the kids cloths instead of new wheels for your freight cars, or a not-understanding-wife thinks you have plenty of that "stuff" already. Maybe some of you are more successful now and forget what it was like back in the "lean years" to be in this hobby. I've finally reached the point where I can spend comfortably [yes, I'm going DCC!] on my hobby, and I want to find some new model RRers I can sell my old stuff to cheaply and encourage them along- that old stuff I'm replacing still has lots of life left in it. We all benifit from getting new people in our hobby and keeping the folks we have. Just had to get this off my chest, Curt

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    If you're not having fun model RRing, you're missing the point!
     
  10. FriscoCharlie

    FriscoCharlie Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks rmathos. That's a good philosophy to have. It's more fun to keep what you have in good shape rather than spend a lot of money [​IMG]

    By the way, you might look at your hardware store for some stuff called "Imperial Cleaner." It comes in a red and yellow metal can. It will take gunk off of anything!!! But, if you find some, don't soak your wheels in it. Just wipe with a paper towl soaked in the stuff.

    Charlie

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    Ship It On The FRISCO!

    [This message has been edited by E-8 (edited 20 May 2000).]
     
  11. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member

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    I too have a lot of freight cars with plastic wheels, and it's a big expense for me to change them all.
    What I use is a bottle of isopropyl
    alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and Q-tips. I soak the Q-tips in alcohol, then apply them to the
    wheels. I do the same to the metal wheels on my locomotives- any really stubborn gunk gets
    scraped off with a small jeweler's screwdriver.
    I also put a small (very small) amount of gun oil on the rails with a Q-tip. Result-
    after I run a locomotive, I wipe off the rail
    surfaces, and I have clean track AND wheels.
    Other folks have championed the use of hair clipper oil, but I was the recipient of a free bottle of gun oil. I don't get radical
    with its use, and I have no problems with any
    other gunk, spread-out oil, etc.


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    Ship IT on the Frisco!
    Bob T.
     
  12. Chessie_SD50_8563

    Chessie_SD50_8563 Permanently dispatched

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    Thanks for the tips everyone.

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    Theres no such thing as having to many coal hoppers or GP40-2 when you model Chessie System
    LONG LIVE THE KITTEN!!!
    LONG LIVE BIG BLUE!!!
     
  13. BNSF_9999

    BNSF_9999 Guest

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    hey Cat me BNSF 9999 from trainorders .I use my little Black& Decker motor tool I use the buffer attachment and a little bit of alcohol.It works good for me.

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    marshall

    [This message has been edited by BNSF_9999 (edited 29 May 2000).]
     

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