Subject:
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Re: First Third Party product for the LEGO(r) Trains market?
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.trains
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Date:
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Mon, 24 Nov 2003 12:50:11 GMT
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Viewed:
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2875 times
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I know I’m late in posting a reply to this, but I just had to speak out. First
of all, I’m pleased that the ‘mainstream’ modelling companies/organizations are
taking notice of the potential for L-gauge trains (figures they would, since
Lego layouts typically win the ‘Best Of Show’ award at many train shows)
However, I am against using a liquid-based cleaner for use on 9V track, although
I used the Centerline cleaner on an N scale layout I took care of while in Japan
years ago, with much success.
But there are many differences between Lego 9V track/power pickup/wheels and
traditional HO or N scale.
1. With Lego, you have traction tires on the motors...whereas any respectable
manufacturer of HO/N scale equipment today has long since phased them out
2. Model train rails are mostly solid nickel-silver, I do not know exactly what
type of metal Lego uses (thin sheet metal?)
3. Plastic wheels leave minute deposits on the railheads (esp. when run at high
speed due to the heat generated by friction) Unfortunately there is no way out
of this for us Lego modellers unless we run our trains at a slower speed.
4. Use of two or more motors in a single train also aggravates the friction
problem (not all motors are created equal)
5. Liquid-based cleaners contain water, which eventually corrodes the sheet
metal Lego uses for it’s rails (that includes alcohol as well, as I found out
nearly 20 years ago on my first HO layout)
6. There is a popular track cleaning fluid called Rail-Zip (manufactured by
Pacer Technologies, I believe), DO NOT even think of using this with your Lego
trains, as the oily residue is impossible to remove from your traction tires (I
ruined my first motor using this stuff)
7. And of course, we all know that that you never use abrasive stuff on your
track either (such as steel wool, sandpaper, etc.) as this leaves tiny scratches
that collect dirt and corrodes in no time (not to mention all that metal you’re
shaving off playing havoc with the motors and electrical pickup)
What has been my best bet for cleaning track? Regular toilet paper and elbow
grease is the best solution. If you have to take an hour before the show to give
your track the once-over...so be it. Designate a club member to do this each
morning (preferably on a rotating basis, as we all need the experience IMHO)
Can’t fit your hand through tunnels and bridges? No problem...that’s what tiles
are for (i.e. make the tops of your tunnels and bridges removable)
Dusting the track area after such a cleaning helps also.
-HRH
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