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In lugnet.trains, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> In lugnet.trains, Harvey Henkelman writes:
> > I think you've just about said it all Ben, I'll add that 9V rails can be
> > cleaned with a soft, dry cloth every couple weeks for optimum performance.
> > -Harvey
>
> I have never done this, ever. And I have had no problems whatever.
>
> Unless you let your kids take the track outside (Hi Chris...) this is not
> necessary. It's stainless wheels on stainless track precisely to obviate
> this need.
>
> Therefore I would strongly suggest NOT putting this advice in a *beginners*
> FAQ as it will scare people off. Needlessly.
Please calm down folks....
First let me say a 'thank you' to all who left input.
In a conclusion on dirt&dust topic one might say:
- 9V may need some cleaning now and then, but shows a great resistance against
dirt.
- 12V conductor rails collect all kind of dirt much easier and have to be
cleaned in almost every case for smooth operation.
Regarded under technical aspect this may a result of the tribological form of
movement:
12V power pick ups slide just over the middle conductor rails and causes wear,
but does not transport dust easiely away.
9V power pick up works via the stainless steel wheels that are pressed
sidewards against the track. The form of movement is both sliding + drilling
at the same time. That is a way to transport dust easier away. And since it is
sidewards less dust will stick there anyway. Most dust simply follows gravity
and is placed on top of the track.
*******
And of course in a train FAQ one should start with:
- 9V system
- then speak of 12V system ('grey era' + mention the 'blue era' none-minifig
style stuff.)
- then 4.5V system (which has been more common as 'blue' than in 'grey')
- and mention monorail as an extra system in the end.
********
Thanks for sharing your points of view. I think this whole thread is a quite
helpful one now.
Have a nice weekend!
Ben
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In lugnet.trains, Reinhard "Ben" Beneke writes:
...
> First let me say a 'thank you' to all who left input.
...
To fit into the current organization of the train FAQ, I believe this is
suggesting additions or rewrites to several existing FAQ entries:
- LEGO makes trains? Where can I get them?
http://www.lugnet.com/~330/FAQ/Trains/trains
(I've already added a short blurb; I need to add pointers to other relevant
FAQ entries, and something about monorail, 4.5V)
(could add a short entry about favorite 12V trains)
- Are 4.5V, 9V and 12V trains compatible?
http://www.lugnet.com/~330/FAQ/Trains/volts
(advantages / disadvantages could be added here)
(difference in 9V/12V electrical pickup could be added here)
- Where can I get a Metroliner, or another older train?
http://www.lugnet.com/~330/FAQ/Trains/metro
(could include more information about getting older 12V stuff)
And additionally suggests a new FAQ entry:
- something about cleaning (or not cleaning) track
I imagine that most longtime readers of lugnet.trains have no reason to ever
look at the FAQ. However, please keep in mind that the FAQ is aimed towards
the first-time visitor to LUGNET, who, like many train show visitors, have
never seen a LEGO train before. The first entry in the train FAQ probably
shouldn't bury the reader in details.
There's no reason why subsequent entries can't include lots more
information, and the first entry can include pointers as is appropriate.
Cary
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In lugnet.trains, Cary Clark writes:
> In lugnet.trains, Reinhard "Ben" Beneke writes:
> ...
> > First let me say a 'thank you' to all who left input.
>
> ...
>
> To fit into the current organization of the train FAQ, I believe this is
> suggesting additions or rewrites to several existing FAQ entries:
...
I've made a first pass at adding the jist of this thread into the FAQ. You
can view the results most easily by reading through the first few entries here:
http://www.lugnet.com/~330/FAQ/Trains/all
If you have ideas to improve this, please let me know.
Thanks
Cary
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