Thank you Ivan! I'm all for manners , but you can stick your PC..LOL. Glad you enjoyed the video! If you're sick of PC .you'll love Lord Stan. Cheers Gregg.
Just came across this and tried it on my own layout, everything runs so smoothly now no dead spots, no sound cutting out, and i couldn't be happier 😊 thanks for sharing this
Thats great news! I'm glad you got the desired results and thanks for watching and letting me know! I appreciate the feedback and love seeing layouts work better. Cheers Gregg.
As a 63 year old beginner in the US, this is great info. I really appreciate it. I'll have to watch all your other videos. I'm absorbing all the information that I can. I am building a railroad for my 6 year old grandson. We went to a model railroad museum and his eyes were as big as plates! So......here I am. :) Thank you! Greg in Tennessee, US
Hi Greg and welcome to the hobby! You have a lot to learn , so it will keep you busy for the next 63 years!! I really think you're building it for you .....as well as your grandson..LOL. I hope you enjoy the videos and thank you for watching. Gregg
Worked like a charm. THANK YOU! My tracks turned blackish but even my most stubborn locomotive that I've had in boxes for years run like champs. Maybe the best model railroad tip I've seen on TH-cam.
Big thank you from the UK mate👍 Bought some Inox and boy does it work. Cleaned my track then applied the Inox as you showed and I could see the results straight away. Cheers again Gregg.
Hi Ron , you're welcome sir! That's great that you got the results I promised ..LOL. It will keep removing dirt from your wheels so don't worry if you keep getting black lines on your rags! I think the sales of Inoxx in the UK have gone up a bit since this video!! Thank you for the feed back and for watching! Cheers Gregg.
What a great tip. Was using a rubber and things were getting worse, my switchers kept needing bigger and bigger push starts every time I made a move. Now I understand why. Made the switch as you suggested and everything is like new, my engine runs so smoothly now, thanks!!!
Thanks Michael! This is what I like to hear! Just remember to go and clean up all the rubber dust with a vacuum and little brush..especially in the frogs and switch points! It's great to see trains running how they should and I'm glad you are happy with the results. Cheers Gregg.
It is refreshing hearing from someone who understands electronics and their nature in their natural form. Good job great advice keep up the great work and happy railroading. Tim
Thanks Chandal! No , the "Electro clean " is a different product. If you cant get inox, then use the 2-26 Electrical multi purpose lubricant. Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Thank you so much! I did not get inox or CRC, but I used wd 40 multi use lubricant (silicon free), as suggested by another model railway enthusiast. I cleaned the tracks, the wheels and pickups, and my 20 year old locomotive become as good as new. It ran smoothly. Your explanation was very detailed and scientific. Being an electrical engineer myself, I could easily understand your concern with the use of polar cleaners. I have bought myself a new dcc set for christmas, and I am never going to use IPA or track rubbers. Thank you for your work! Looking forward to more of your content.
believe at one. time you had told me that WD-40 was the same as inox, have used it for years.You were right, works great. Thank you Gregg, love your videos , be safe
Thats great Joe! It is similar , but if you can get Innox it is a bit more suited to our needs. But WD-40 is fine and I'm glad you are getting good results and thanks for the feedback. Cheers Gregg.
Joe, How much WD 40 do you use? Do you use anything in addition to the WD 40? Have you also discarded your "Bright-Boy"? Do you use a track cleaning car?
@@amtrakatsfnyc2387 Ive used INOX for over 40 years. I used WD40 before that but I found the WD40 dries out quickly and the metal surfaces oxidise causing poor electrical contact conductivity.
Excellent information Greg. A very entertaining and informative video. Yes i have to agree that it is most upsetting and frustrating when somebody else's layout has this problem of stalling, let alone on your own layout. Enjoy all your videos, keep them coming. Cheers Anthony Smithson.
Thank you Anthony! Stalling trains and running at fast speeds are my 2 bug bears...which is why I don't go to train shows!! Glad you enjoy the videos and I appreciate your support. Gregg:-)
I love this video and as a result purchased some, however on running a clean cloth along my track after several weeks the muck that came off was really black but the trains have been running superbly, is the black muck a common thing to be getting. I have nothing with traction tyres and all wheels on stock are metal🤔
Thanks Len! The black is indeed normal , and is a combination of dirt , oxidation and the Inoxx removing the dirt from your rolling stock wheels! You will never have to clean wheels again ! If you watch the update of this video , I explain that , Thanks for the feedback and glad you got the results I promised. Cheers Gregg.
When I was a kid, I used one of those gritty things. That was back in the mid 60's and my track was brass. Didn't give a crap about that track back then. .....everything was different anyway. Fast forward to the late 90's; married, two kids, 2nd house and a nice big basement. Finally built bench work around the walls and started laying track. Fast forward a bit more; having trains run smoothly (DC) was getting to be a pain in the ass. I had two loops, 4 scale miles (HO) of mainline and numerous long sidings. ...plus a 5 track yard, caboose tracks and an nice engine facility. Then trains started running like shit. I was cleaning my track with alcohol and I thought my finger was going to fall off. Then shortly after cleaning, trains started running like shit again. Now I was starting to use alcohol (the kind in the 12 oz can) and I was getting ugly at how the layout ran. I was not far away from a 24 oz framing hammer and smashing the layout to smithereens, and quitting the hobby. !! Then a friend said, "you think the track is too clean, no conductivity" ?? I remember another friend who mentioned using clipper oil bought from a beauty supply store. Years ago we had a friend who was a WW2, Pacific Theater veteran. He swore by the clipper oil. So with that said, a 4 oz bottle of clipper oil was about $4 US. So I bought one. Learning the hard way, I put too much oil on the track and the trains stalled and just spun it's wheels. So wiping that off, I now just put a dite on my finger tip (hardly a small drop) and rub it on a 3' section of rail (track now nickel, no brass) then another dite and another rub on the opposite rail down the track a bit. Trains now run like tops. When the headlight of the lead unit starts to flicker just a tad, I reapply just a teeny bit of clipper oil and everything runs great for a long time. I run 70+ car freights with 3-4 units. When the track is ever so slightly oiled, I let the trains spread it all around the layout. I'm not so young anymore and I'm getting physically handicapped now so I don't get down cellar as much as I would like anymore. However, I know when I go down cellar, my trains will run well. Now I break Rule G in comfort rather than in anger that trains will not run well. As Gregg stated, you need good electrical conduct to run your trains !! For me, clipper oil is the answer. Sorry to run on a bit. Thank you.
Hi Steve, a great story and similar to many in the comments about IPA ! I also got to the stage of trains refusing to run after cleaning, and a short length of track wiped with (then ) CRC fixed it instantly. I hope you still get down to the basement to run some trains now and then ! Thanks for watching sir. Cheers Gregg.
Im only starting out in model railways but this is great, a brilliant video which really helps with trying to understand how things work and what not to do, and really entertaining too. Best wishes Gregg from the UK 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
@@FishplateFilms Thanks Gregg - I’ve got hold of some Inox and it’s excellent. I found a loco from a failed attempt to start modelling trains about 20 years ago. It wouldn’t work at all in the beginning, having not been used for so long. However, a bit of Inox on the track, and some on the wheels and it’s back to life! It’s a great recommendation. Thanks for the reply and posting the videos 👍🏼
Have you ever experienced glue on your Wagon or train ? I did a screen on my collection and found dried residue and would like to know what gets glue off painted plastic ? I tried Natural remedies like White vinegar and cooking oil tho it only removed small amount. Thank you
A few years ago you recommended Goo Gone, I've used Goo Gone ever since in my heavy, brass, track cleaner and it has been great, even the loco's and rolling stocks wheels get cleaned.
Hi Sam , that wasn't me I'm afraid. I've never used it but some people say it works well? I did do a video on Innox and Lanolin spray a few years ago ..that could be it? Cheers Gregg.
"I think I need a cup of tea" I think that we all do after watching your video!!! - A very funny video - thank you - it made me laugh - I'm going to tell my friends on the Hornby Forum about this!!! (I'm from England)
Thanks Jimmy! I think we all need a laugh and a dose of reality these days! Don't forget about the issue with traction tyres..they don't like these sprays! Cheers Gregg.
Very informative, very entertaining and enjoyable. The fact that you get a little bent once in awhile just proves that you care about what you're saying. I'd like to think we're similar in that respect as I've been known to shall we say rant occasionally. Thanks for all the good info!
Aussie here now living in the USA...and laughed and laughed. Great advice. and I too got my original DCC stuff from Gary! Now dragged it all to the USA and just starting to get back into the swing of modeling.
HI Gary! Great to hear from you and how cool is it that you can see UP and BNSF and all the others in the flesh! I have to call Gary today , need to get a cab screen replaced!. I'm glad you liked the video and you had a laugh! What part of the US are you in? Cheers Gregg. :-)
Thanks for the advices, I used to clean with alcohol, I wont do it anymore, I had so many stops,and I blamed my locomotives all along for it, not INOX but I tried WD-40, they never worked better, speaking of locomotives, should I clean wheels the same way?
You're welcome Etienne! It is funny how many people have the same story as you , but I'm glad you tried a spray and it works well for you! Yes clean your wheels the same way ! Thanks for watching! Gregg.
Hi Sam, I assume you mean "metho" or Methylated spirits? This will clean vry well, but will also leave the track "sterile" , lile IPA , and cause oxidation in the long run. If you can't get Inox, the CRC 2-26 is a good alternative. Cheers and thanks for watching. Gregg.
How have I been so stupid for so long! Just returned to the hobby after a few stop starts since teenage years and always used track rubber…I could never understand why things kept getting worse! I’m now back going TT120 following Hornby’s new range, the Peco track is down and it’s great but it tarnished very quickly … the Inox MX3 is on order and the track rubber will serve as a reminder of taking my engineers hat off when playing with my trains! Thanks for the wake up call!
@@gkoproske The main reason Glen, is that these lubricants are not designed for electrical circuits and can damage some plastics, but if you get the results you're after then keep using them. Cheers Gregg.
I couldn't believe people put automatic transmission fluid on their tracks, but faced with serious conductivity issues, I started using it on a small scale over a year ago. My experiences didn't match much of what I read; in very small amounts carefully spread it pulls the dirt off locomotives, rolling stock and track and leaves it in a few small oily black blobs that can be wiped up with a cloth very quickly; its prime advantage is that locos can be cleaned while in motion without having to remove them from the track. No adverse affects detected in 18 months but I'm careful not to get any on plastic sleepers.
Ok - how is frantically rubbing a track rubber across a rough piece of wood IN ANY way comparable to wiping it along a smooth metal rail? Not a useful or sensible comparison.
Crow T. Robot so CRC 2-26 sounds like it’s a popular choice any issues if u get some on a loco?, any experience with CRC QD contact cleaner? CRC specify it’s made to work with sensitive plastics. Many thanks
@@roydom5 CRC 2-26 does not harm plastics. It is more than a cleaner. it leaves a dry, conducting, corrosion-inhibiting coat. Never used the contact cleaner, but any CRC product should be good. My experience with their 2-26 has been the best of anything I've tried by far.
Any IPA is not suitable for long term track cleaning. The IPA used in PCB 's , is there to clean the board of grease and debris, not to clean the conductive parts of the circuit. Read the comments below from the many who have had issues with IPA, especially after long term use. Get a can of CRC or INox and see the difference. Cheers Gregg.
only 94k views!?!!??!?!?... this information is 100% GOLD for a model railroader... this vid should have no less than 1million views within model railroad circles... i still see folks using alcohol and something called no-ox and other junk... wake up you sleeping model railroaders... the only thing you need is CRC 2-26... home depot has it a few bucks a can... get it... use it... it WORKS
Thank you! I wish it had more views...but I'm rubbing some people, with old views, up the wrong way and they don't like it..LOL. The good thing is that many modellers have tried Inox or CRC and can't believe the difference it has made...so I'm happy with that! Tell your friends to come and watch the video! Cheers Gregg.
Watched this video and went out and bought a tin of INOX What a difference it has made to the running of my layout Wish i had found out about it years ago Thanks for your advice
Hi Mike, thanks for the feedback on your results from trying INOXX. I'm glad you got the improved running that I predicted, and you now enjoy the layout more. Tell your friends to throw away their track rubbers and IPA..LOL> Cheers Gregg.
Hi , wonderful ,I have just tried some contact cleaner just like you said and what a difference ,smooth at fast or deadly slow ,I used to put it on a faster speed or power just to get it around the track ,oh what a joy ,even the lights on my virgin train are brighter and I cant wait for it to go dark ,a standing ovation to you kind sir ,amazing ,and some thing that actually works very best wishes from the uk Brian.
Hi Brian , thanks for watching and I'm glad you got some good results! Just remember that contact cleaner will not leave a protective film on the rails like Innox or CRC will, so you might want to use one of those from time to time. Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Hi Gregg thanks for your reply , I will try crc or innox ,I used Servisol super 10 and it certainly made a huge difference and I was so pleased lol my very best wishes Brian
@@FishplateFilms HI Gregg managed to get some INOX MX3 Lubricant, I hope it is the correct one . I think it is as loads of people are using it on there Scale electrics model Railways and there tracks .and they are not giving it away it cost £10 for INOX MX3 Lubricant, 60ml, lol but people are raving about it ,and I will after use it well and not waste it ,thanks again Brian
@@mrmusdtard2 Hi Brian, thats the one! A can will last you a decade easy...use the plastic tube in the nozzle, and spray 2 tiny patches on a rag , then run along the track and see how black it gets! I keep using the same rags( i have little folded pieces everywhere) until they are filthy. Once you get the rails clean, keep rags with Innox on them as it will stay on them . You'll always get little dark lines , as dirt is always falling and the Innox will get dirt off the wheels too..it's a on going process but you will work out a routine that suits you. Gregg :-)
I love this video, I got the product and have not had any track problems since. This is the best rant ever, still makes me laugh. Great video, great product mate.
Thanks Rick! I'm glad you enjoyed the rant, got some Inox and got the results I promised! I get a kick out of seeing people prove the science behind the video and have better running layouts. Cheers, Gregg.
No it does not! it WILL clean the dirt off , but vinegar is a mild acid which will do more harm than good to your rails! Best to stick with products that are made to clean electrical surfaces. Gregg :-)
13 year old me decided to store a box set from Bachmann in tv set drawer and 2 years later i finally got back into it and the tracks are tarnished on top (these are nickel steel, they've all become fully/mostly dull grey on the top instead of shiny) but all the metal cleaning products in my house are for guns and contain petroleum distillates. Whats the matter with distillates, and is there a way to use them and clean off the distillates later? Its only 1 train, 3 rolling stock and a large pile of tracks so I don't think I could justify ordering the silicate based cleaner.
Do you wait until the crc 2-26 dries on the wheels of a locomotive or on the rails before running trains? Or can you run trains right after you spray and wipe the crc?
No John, just a little on the rag and wipe a section and away you go ! If you run your finger along the rail , it should be smooth and a tiny bit left on your finger. Gregg.:-)
Changed my track cleaning process. I went to the Inox and through my track eraser away. My trains now run better then they have ever run. Thanks for the video.
That's great news Clarence! That is the exact reason I made the video and you have joined the long list of happy modellers with better running trains! Thanks for the feedback and for watching! Cheers Gregg.
Great video! It’s pleasant to get some useful information without bullshit. Just ordered a can and also ordered mx5 needle tube to lube my trains. Have you used the mx5? Thanks Ray
Thanks Ray ! No I haven't used the MX5 yet . I still have a tube of Labelle plastic compatible Grease and oil that I've had for decades, but they are getting low . Let me know how you go with the Inoxx! Cheers Gregg.
Depending on where you are Jared, you can get it in a trigger spray bottle that you could fill a track cleaning car . But you only need a little on a rag and I don't know if you can slow the CMX down to a drip ? Cheers Gregg.
I have looked at the Inox product page. Not sure which one to purchase. Which is the correct Inox product to use???? I do want to clean wheel sets and will be using the "Clean Machine" (brass tank car) to clean track.
@@FishplateFilms Got the INOX MX3 and it works great even on my steel rail sectional track in the attic!!!! The attic loop is used until the layour in the basement is completed with NS flex track.
Hi Richard, glad you got good results ! I'm sure with N scale, that you need to be a bit careful ...not much contact area with the rails on your locos! Thanks for watching and letting me know your results! Cheers Gregg.
An update. Had renno’s done in room above the train room. Had it covered up for dust for over 7 months. Took off the plastic cover recently, vacuumed (was good anyway) and ran trains without touching the track. Perfect!
You say to use Inox or "CRC". Well, CRC is a big place. What is the actual chemical in these that makes them work. What sort of CRC product are you endorsing?
CRC 2-26 John. I don't know whats in it , you'd have to look at the MSSD for that. I prefer Inox , but it is a bit hard to get in the US and UK, but it is becoming more popular ! Cheers Gregg.
Found Inox on the huge online store named after a similarly huge river. No worries. Got some 3M 3000 grit paper to go with it. You convinced me to change my wicked ways.
@@johntauxe Thats good John..LOL. Go easy with the grit paper....only use it to repair scratches or remove stubborn dirt! Let me know it it all goes for you! Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms I fear that some damage is already done. The entire layout is made with Walthers Shinohara nickel silver track, and it had not occurred to me that it is of course only nickel plated. There are places where I even took a file to turnouts and crossovers to level them out. As you suggest, the metal file is likely to have deeply scored the head of the rails, and may have removed a good bit of the plating. I think the 3,000 grit will be necessary to smooth all that out. I still need to do ballasting, so we'll do that message job first, then probably clean with 99% isopropyl alcohol then finally get into the groove of using the Inox MX3 for final treatment. Fortunately, all the track works very well right now electrically, anyway.
Hi i receive the Inox but i wish understand better how to use it. 1) clean track with clean cloth string and inox 2) clean track with clean cloth string but second way to remove the inox that appear like oil on skin. ? little scared for this oil effect ... Do you use it rubber wheels applied on the loco ? Any help is really appreciate
Hi Stefano , Yes , you have it the correct way! Use only a little on the rag / cloth , you do not need very much at all! If you have traction tyres /rubber wheels, you you have to be careful , as the INOX or CRC will make the rubber slip on the rails! Try using very small amount , but if you get wheelslip , then you can stop using the INOX or CRC , and the rubber wheels/ traction tyres will dry out after running for a while. Traction tyres are a pain , luckily I don't use them . Cheers and good luck. Gregg.
building my first railway and i definitely will benefit from this. i am ordering everything after i type this. hopefully my class 81s will be as smooth as silk.
Good luck with it Thomas! The new Aussie stuff seems pretty good these days , and the 81's are tough looking locos. Glad you liked the video and thanks for watching. Gregg.
Unless you have traction tyres, it's not an issue, but if you do , then it will make them slick and useless. The track is left with a thin film that is not oily but does make the rails smooth and slick. Off course it depends on how much you use also! Thanks for watching! Gregg.
Hi it,s Neil schwerdt in west valley city Utah,.will we got the system running now . The DB 210 do not work it was new so now I've got to send it back to digatrack to be fixed. Hope you are well and trying to play train,s . Oh is the house you are buying or building going ? Will you take care of your self from Neil
What would you think of using 99% isopropyl for a good cleaning (like after ballasting) and then polishing with 3000 grit paper and the Inox MX3? I am fortunate to have access to 99% isopropyl by the gallon in my local hardware store.
Hi John, You can use the IPA to "Clean" after ballasting or painting, but then go ver the rails with INOX as you say! You can skip the paper , but you can use it to remove scratches left by track rubbers ect. Then just use the INOX on a rag! Cheers Gregg.
I've just started building an oo gauge railway and cleaned the rails inside my tunnel using IPA and now the loco is stuttering and comes to a halt. 'Silly boy me'!!! I've just watched your tutorial and feel like an absolute idiot of the highest order. I'm going to get some wet n dry 4000 gauge and wet it with inox and ask my wife to put her arm in the tunnels, mine won't fit,; single portals!. Will let you know if this works out well. Excellent video, just love your style and your personality is brilliant. Good to 'rant' as it definitely help spell out the message.
Thanks Richard, you will only need the wetndry if you used a track rubber and scratched the rails, otherwise a rag and Inox will be fine! Please let me know how you get on ! Cheers Gregg
Thank you after watching this got rid of my rubber cleaner and other fluids,I'm in the UK so got some wd 40 contact cleaner was the closest i could find, after ten minutes cleaning it was like a totally different lay out all the trains running great now thankyou for the great advice 👍
Hi Shawn, thanks for the feedback ! This is exactly why I made this video , and I'm chuffed that you found such a huge difference in the operation of your layout! Just to let you know , you can get INOX form "Pendle Slot Racing " in Lancashire:-) . Also CRC2-26 would be better than WD40 , as it is more suited to electrical components, but I'm glad the WD is working for you :-). Thanks again for your great feedback ! CHeers Gregg.
I think you missed that Shawn said WD40 CONTACT CLEANER which is different from STANDARD WD40 and is as effective as other products listed here, as indeed is any industrial contact cleaner. Standard WD 40 is a general purpose compromise.
thanks for replying to my last question! How about this one. Will lighter fluid for cigarette lighters work in a pinch? I have steam and don't want tire slippage. Thanks again.
Hi watched your video in the uk with much interest. Inox is not available here. I’ve seen quoted Crc 2-21 as being the same but not sure. I’ve also noticed that inox is a lubricant, how does it affect steam locos with traction tyres ? Take on board track rubbbers are a no no dcc do a much finer rubber. Would be great Greg if you could answer as I know others are showing interest in the uk.
Hi Derek, Thanks for watching and I have had a lot of interest from the UK and you can get INOX from Pendle Slot racing in Lancashire , believe it or not! I'm afraid it does make traction tyres slip on the slick rails. I've not heard of 2-21, but CRC 2-26 is similar to Inox. If you only use a little of the spray and wipe the rails wth a dry rag you should be ok? See Charlie at Chadwick model railway channel , as he uses INox and may have a better idea. . Cheers Gregg.
Hi Mark , I haven't used it, but according to their site, it is similar but suitable for food processing equipment. Id; say it would be fine , give it a go and see how it works for you. CHeers, GRegg.
I use to use alcohol all the time for years never knowing how bad it was until a few months ago. Locos started to run bad Then I switched to CRC contact cleaner and protectant . They run smooth as silk now . Good video. Everyone should watch this one.
Thanks very much Scott! I did the same and the problem got worse till trains just wouldn't run, then I cleaned a small section of track with Innox, ran a train through it and it continued round the layout without stopping. Glad you are having great results. Gregg :-)
I've been looking around and can't figure out which is the best from the crc brand. There's the 2-26, contact cleaner and electronic cleaner. Which one would you recommend would be the best to use. Thanks!
Hi Jordan , just go with 2-26. The cleaners will work , but won't stop oxidation on the rails, which is the main problem with conductivity. I've heard CRC make a "cleaner and protectant" but i've not seen it? The 2-26 normal spray is the one you want , unless yo can get Inox!! Cheers Gregg
@FishplateFilms hey Gregg I was able to get a can of inox like in your vidoe but I'm having trouble finding a good cloth or fabric to scrub the track with, any suggestions? Thanks!!
@@jordansmith7878 Very good sir! Just any old cotton rag will do , but stay away from shiny polyester ! Let me know how the Inox works for you! Gregg .
I second this question. I have no experience in modal railroading, but I have my grandfather's old Lionel set. Many of the tracks don't need a simply "cleaning", but instead need to be completely restored. I understand that you shouldn't routinely clean with water or anything containing water, but how do you rehabilitate very old tracks? I've seen other videos that explain how to remove the rust with vinegar and then dehydrate in the oven for an hour. Is this a really bad idea too?
Thank you ! I'm glad you enjoyed it and best of all, you got rid of your sanding block..LOL...Your life has now improved!! Enjoy the benefits my friend! Cheers Gregg.
Hi - just watched and enjoyed your clip on dont's for track cleaning. I have a question re isopropyl alcohol. I can understand your comments about the "impurities" in IPA ... but I can source (here in NZ) isopropyl alcohol that is 99% pure. The agents for this brew can not tell me what the last 1% is. So my question is does your rant include all isopropyl alcohol products or just the ones you mentioned with the extra water etc added to them. Thanks Fr. John
Hi John and thanks for watching! Due to it's chemical make up ,and being made from LPG, IPA is not suitable for any electrical equipment cleaning, and if you watch the follow up video to this , I go into that a little deeper. Even "pure" IPA will dry and leave a residue in the track that builds up over time . If you must use an alcohol to clean your tracks , then try Methylated spirits , but better still , use a product that is made for the job...like INOX or similar. The only reason to avoid these is if you have traction tyres on your locos, as the INOX will make the rubber slip. Cheers Gregg
Greg, Learn a few things, I received a HUGE box of Atlas snap track. Before I start putting any track down, I was thinking of using a pink pencil eraser to go over the top of the rails and the joiners. What do you recommend? I don't want to be bent over just yet.
.....start removing your belt Thomas...this is gonna hurt! An eraser is your worst choice , apart from a track rubber, but if you have nothing else , then make sure you go over the track with Innox or CRC before you run trains. As for the joints, keep the rubber way from them if you can and also give them a good wipe with your spray of choice. Don't forget to vacuum up the rubber before applying the spray. Cheers Gregg.
Just starting again after too many years and cleaned my "new" track and saw better running and then some rust, yes 2nd hand track so not the best, then rubbish running. Tried some of the stuff you said NOT to do, I was so new! I knew I needed to protect the, clean, rail and I knew it had to be electrically clean. SO I did what you said, well I bought and used CRC, Bang, and the job was done. Thank You, blobby awesome. I am still nuts but at least I drove myself there.
Thank you Diez! I'm glad you got some good results and also found out the difference yourself ! If you have rust , then you have really old track ??? Good luck with it! Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms 7 months down the road, still fantastic, every now and then I get a bit of stutter so I just "dirty it" with the lube and job done. Getting Dirty, such fun. Thanks again.
Don`t worry about replying about my question as I have just seen your video of the 13th April 2020. However do you know of any product similar to Inox that wont bugger up traction tyres. Cheers Greg from Australia
Hi Greg, It is the "wet" that the tyres don't like , and it is the same with other liquids as well. You could try a lanolin spray , like "Lannotech: as it does the same as Innox , but dries out more. Other than that you are back to dry cleaning I'm afraid? Gregg.
Hi Lancer, it does leave a very thin film on the rails, depending on ow much you apply of course. I run long trains up my helix with no issues at all . The only issue is if you have traction tyres on your loco , then it becomes a problem ,as they soak up the inox and become useless! Thanks for watching. Gregg.
Alan Darbyshire Hi Greg watched your track cleaning video and found an Inok supplier in England, cured my running problems in an instance all my locos are dc and from the sixties, Hornby Dublo, Tri-ang, ect I have refurbished them and due to you they now run perfectly keep up the good work, love your rants.
Great video, as an Aussie myself I will be buying this. Makes perfect sense the rants. Thanks for sharing these tips! I also recon due to the isolation rules in Australia not going to the pub for a beer is starting to take its toll on you like it is me. Keep well and all the best. Clint
Thanks CLint! The thing is I don't drink beer or go to pubs , but do frequent the odd whisky Bar on the odd occasion! You will like the results from this , just use a little and see the difference! Cheers Gregg.
Wow! On the back of watching this I ordered some Inox from Pendle slot cars (UK firm) on Monday - arrived today (Wednesday). I've wiped a few sections of track and already my temperamental DCC sound locos are running far better. I cannot quite believe it was that quick and easy. The track looked pretty clean before but a wipe with the cloth took off loads of "crud". Thanks for posting this video.
You're welcome Richard! It will get even better as the Innox cleans the wheels! Just do a bit here and there and let the trais take it round! You will always get dirt on your rag but it's just doing its job. Thanks for the support and for the feedback and I'm glad you got good results that fast...just like I did ! Cheers Gregg.
Yes Andrew! But if you clean the track regularly , the liquid will remove dirt from the wheels as they go round the layout! Thanks for watching. Gregg.
My question with this product do you wipe it on a section of track, north & south rails, and let the train drag the excess with it, or do you do the entire layout?
Hi Mate, love your no B.S. videos. Question what track cleaner do you use to get into tunnels and hard to reach areas of your layout? I'm looking at the Dapol unit - your thoughts.
Thanks David, glad you enjoy the videos! If you go through my layout videos, there are a few on cleaning track in hiddens areas, with an old ROCO cleaning car with a rag & Inox . I do like the Dapol unit, especially for the vacuum feature , were and I think I'll get one for the new layout! The best ever were the "Aztec" cars made in the US, but sadly no more. They were a bit fiddly and not "idiot" proof, but were a fantastic design and I regret not getting one years ago! A Dapol unit with the cleaning pads with INox would be great for hidden track. Cheers Gregg,
Hi, it's great to hear someone whom will speak clearly and colourfully. I'm sick of political correctness. Well done, mate.
Thank you Ivan! I'm all for manners , but you can stick your PC..LOL. Glad you enjoyed the video! If you're sick of PC .you'll love Lord Stan.
Cheers Gregg.
I realize it's kinda off topic but does anybody know a good site to stream new tv shows online ?
@Axel Amir Flixportal :)
@Jordy Harlem Thanks, I went there and it seems like a nice service :D I really appreciate it !!
@Axel Amir no problem xD
Just came across this and tried it on my own layout, everything runs so smoothly now no dead spots, no sound cutting out, and i couldn't be happier 😊 thanks for sharing this
Thats great news! I'm glad you got the desired results and thanks for watching and letting me know! I appreciate the feedback and love seeing layouts work better.
Cheers Gregg.
This man could make the funniest movie with his great personality. Talent scout s should see this.
As a 63 year old beginner in the US, this is great info. I really appreciate it. I'll have to watch all your other videos. I'm absorbing all the information that I can. I am building a railroad for my 6 year old grandson. We went to a model railroad museum and his eyes were as big as plates! So......here I am. :) Thank you! Greg in Tennessee, US
Hi Greg and welcome to the hobby! You have a lot to learn , so it will keep you busy for the next 63 years!! I really think you're building it for you .....as well as your grandson..LOL. I hope you enjoy the videos and thank you for watching.
Gregg
Worked like a charm. THANK YOU! My tracks turned blackish but even my most stubborn locomotive that I've had in boxes for years run like champs. Maybe the best model railroad tip I've seen on TH-cam.
Thank you SO much ! Glad you got the results I promised..LOL. Keep up on the cleaning and it will only get better !
Cheers Gregg.
Best track cleaning video I’ve seen in over 45 years of model Railroading!
Thanks very much Gary! That's a big call sir! It's taken me almost that long to work out the best method..LOL
Cheers Gregg
Timely video, as I am doing my cleaning of the track on the layout. Thank you, Sir!!!
You're welcome !
Thanks for watching.
Gregg .
Thank you for saving my sanity. I bought this product and couldn’t believe the difference it made on my layout.
You're welcome Paul! I'm glad you got the desired result and your sanity is saved!
Cheers Gregg.
Big thank you from the UK mate👍 Bought some Inox and boy does it work. Cleaned my track then applied the Inox as you showed and I could see the results straight away. Cheers again Gregg.
Hi Ron , you're welcome sir! That's great that you got the results I promised ..LOL. It will keep removing dirt from your wheels so don't worry if you keep getting black lines on your rags! I think the sales of Inoxx in the UK have gone up a bit since this video!!
Thank you for the feed back and for watching!
Cheers Gregg.
Can you get this in the UK? Where did you purchase bud?
@@shteviemac8310 Lancashire Slot Racing used to stock it !
What a great tip. Was using a rubber and things were getting worse, my switchers kept needing bigger and bigger push starts every time I made a move. Now I understand why. Made the switch as you suggested and everything is like new, my engine runs so smoothly now, thanks!!!
Thanks Michael! This is what I like to hear! Just remember to go and clean up all the rubber dust with a vacuum and little brush..especially in the frogs and switch points! It's great to see trains running how they should and I'm glad you are happy with the results.
Cheers Gregg.
It is refreshing hearing from someone who understands electronics and their nature in their natural form. Good job great advice keep up the great work and happy railroading. Tim
Thank you Tim! I guess it comes from a few decades of learning! Thanks for the kind words and for watching.
Cheers Gregg.
Thanks for the information! Please let me know if CRC 2-26 Multi Use Electro Cleaner is the right substitute for INOX
Thanks Chandal! No , the "Electro clean " is a different product. If you cant get inox, then use the 2-26 Electrical multi purpose lubricant.
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Thank you so much! I did not get inox or CRC, but I used wd 40 multi use lubricant (silicon free), as suggested by another model railway enthusiast. I cleaned the tracks, the wheels and pickups, and my 20 year old locomotive become as good as new. It ran smoothly. Your explanation was very detailed and scientific. Being an electrical engineer myself, I could easily understand your concern with the use of polar cleaners. I have bought myself a new dcc set for christmas, and I am never going to use IPA or track rubbers. Thank you for your work! Looking forward to more of your content.
@@chandal804 I used WD40 before using INOX. The problem with WD 40 is it dries out leaving no oil layer to stop the metal surfaces from oxidising.
I quite like your sense of humour, I rant and rave quite a lot myself.
Thanks Sam ! Keeps you sane with a little rant now and then!
Gregg :-)
believe at one. time you had told me that WD-40 was the same as inox, have used it for years.You were right, works great. Thank you Gregg, love your videos , be safe
Thats great Joe! It is similar , but if you can get Innox it is a bit more suited to our needs. But WD-40 is fine and I'm glad you are getting good results and thanks for the feedback.
Cheers Gregg.
Joe, How much WD 40 do you use? Do you use anything in addition to the WD 40? Have you also discarded your "Bright-Boy"? Do you use a track cleaning car?
@@amtrakatsfnyc2387 Ive used INOX for over 40 years. I used WD40 before that but I found the WD40 dries out quickly and the metal surfaces oxidise causing poor electrical contact conductivity.
CRC 2-26 is life changing, After I watched this video I will never use anything else. This stuff can make trains run over rust.
Great to hear! I'm glad you got great results .
Cheers Gregg.
Excellent information Greg. A very entertaining and informative video. Yes i have to agree that it is most upsetting and frustrating when somebody else's layout has this problem of stalling, let alone on your own layout.
Enjoy all your videos, keep them coming.
Cheers
Anthony Smithson.
Thank you Anthony! Stalling trains and running at fast speeds are my 2 bug bears...which is why I don't go to train shows!! Glad you enjoy the videos and I appreciate your support.
Gregg:-)
Just setting up a new layout with fresh track, and thrilled to find out we have INOX MX3 over here. Ah, going to give it a try. Thanks!
Thats great Richard! You only need a little , so it lasts forever!
Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
Gregg.
I love this video and as a result purchased some, however on running a clean cloth along my track after several weeks the muck that came off was really black but the trains have been running superbly, is the black muck a common thing to be getting. I have nothing with traction tyres and all wheels on stock are metal🤔
Thanks Len! The black is indeed normal , and is a combination of dirt , oxidation and the Inoxx removing the dirt from your rolling stock wheels! You will never have to clean wheels again ! If you watch the update of this video , I explain that ,
Thanks for the feedback and glad you got the results I promised.
Cheers Gregg.
When I was a kid, I used one of those gritty things. That was back in the mid 60's and my track was brass. Didn't give a crap about that track back then. .....everything was different anyway. Fast forward to the late 90's; married, two kids, 2nd house and a nice big basement. Finally built bench work around the walls and started laying track. Fast forward a bit more; having trains run smoothly (DC) was getting to be a pain in the ass. I had two loops, 4 scale miles (HO) of mainline and numerous long sidings. ...plus a 5 track yard, caboose tracks and an nice engine facility. Then trains started running like shit. I was cleaning my track with alcohol and I thought my finger was going to fall off. Then shortly after cleaning, trains started running like shit again. Now I was starting to use alcohol (the kind in the 12 oz can) and I was getting ugly at how the layout ran. I was not far away from a 24 oz framing hammer and smashing the layout to smithereens, and quitting the hobby. !! Then a friend said, "you think the track is too clean, no conductivity" ?? I remember another friend who mentioned using clipper oil bought from a beauty supply store. Years ago we had a friend who was a WW2, Pacific Theater veteran. He swore by the clipper oil. So with that said, a 4 oz bottle of clipper oil was about $4 US. So I bought one. Learning the hard way, I put too much oil on the track and the trains stalled and just spun it's wheels. So wiping that off, I now just put a dite on my finger tip (hardly a small drop) and rub it on a 3' section of rail (track now nickel, no brass) then another dite and another rub on the opposite rail down the track a bit. Trains now run like tops. When the headlight of the lead unit starts to flicker just a tad, I reapply just a teeny bit of clipper oil and everything runs great for a long time. I run 70+ car freights with 3-4 units. When the track is ever so slightly oiled, I let the trains spread it all around the layout. I'm not so young anymore and I'm getting physically handicapped now so I don't get down cellar as much as I would like anymore. However, I know when I go down cellar, my trains will run well. Now I break Rule G in comfort rather than in anger that trains will not run well. As Gregg stated, you need good electrical conduct to run your trains !! For me, clipper oil is the answer. Sorry to run on a bit. Thank you.
Hi Steve, a great story and similar to many in the comments about IPA ! I also got to the stage of trains refusing to run after cleaning, and a short length of track wiped with (then ) CRC fixed it instantly. I hope you still get down to the basement to run some trains now and then !
Thanks for watching sir.
Cheers Gregg.
Great plain no bull manure just straight to the point .Good man 😊
Thanks Steve! Glad you enjoy the videos!
CHeers Gregg.
Im only starting out in model railways but this is great, a brilliant video which really helps with trying to understand how things work and what not to do, and really entertaining too. Best wishes Gregg from the UK 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you CAptain! Glad you liked the video and got some tips !
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Thanks Gregg - I’ve got hold of some Inox and it’s excellent. I found a loco from a failed attempt to start modelling trains about 20 years ago. It wouldn’t work at all in the beginning, having not been used for so long. However, a bit of Inox on the track, and some on the wheels and it’s back to life! It’s a great recommendation. Thanks for the reply and posting the videos 👍🏼
Have you ever experienced glue on your Wagon or train ? I did a screen on my collection and found dried residue and would like to know what gets glue off painted plastic ? I tried Natural remedies like White vinegar and cooking oil tho it only removed small amount. Thank you
A few years ago you recommended Goo Gone, I've used Goo Gone ever since in my heavy, brass, track cleaner and it has been great, even the loco's and rolling stocks wheels get cleaned.
Hi Sam , that wasn't me I'm afraid. I've never used it but some people say it works well? I did do a video on Innox and Lanolin spray a few years ago ..that could be it?
Cheers Gregg.
Is there any liquid that we can use to fill one of those CMX tank track-cleaning cars that will work? Thanks.
You can use this or CRC . You can buy these in spray packs or you can spray the can into a jar , but it is a bit wasteful.
Gregg :-)
@@FishplateFilms CRC?
Thanks mate , perfect timing for this subject ...
Your'e Welcome Craig!
Cheers Gregg.
8:37 Why do you say that the cleaner is "food grade"? It says right on the can that it's the "non-food grade" type...?
Thats my mistake Fred. We use both at work and I forgot which one I had. I feel the non food grade works a little better,
Gregg.
"I think I need a cup of tea" I think that we all do after watching your video!!! - A very funny video - thank you - it made me laugh - I'm going to tell my friends on the Hornby Forum about this!!! (I'm from England)
Thanks Jimmy! I think we all need a laugh and a dose of reality these days! Don't forget about the issue with traction tyres..they don't like these sprays!
Cheers Gregg.
Very informative, very entertaining and enjoyable.
The fact that you get a little bent once in awhile just proves that you care about what you're saying. I'd like to think we're similar in that respect as I've been known to shall we say rant occasionally. Thanks for all the good info!
Thanks Sam! "A little bent"...LMAO...thats a good one! A little passion goes a long way ! I'm glad you got some tips along the way!
Cheers Gregg.
Gregg, very useful video. I would never have guessed that about rodent excrement! Love your sense of humor. Kennedy
LOL...Yes stops trains in their tracks!!
Glad you liked the video Kennedy.
Cheers Gregg.
Aussie here now living in the USA...and laughed and laughed. Great advice. and I too got my original DCC stuff from Gary! Now dragged it all to the USA and just starting to get back into the swing of modeling.
HI Gary! Great to hear from you and how cool is it that you can see UP and BNSF and all the others in the flesh! I have to call Gary today , need to get a cab screen replaced!. I'm glad you liked the video and you had a laugh! What part of the US are you in?
Cheers Gregg. :-)
Hahahhaa i loved it Gregg! I definitely be using that stuff.
Thanks for watching Sir! Give it a try.
Gregg :-)
Thanks for the advices, I used to clean with alcohol, I wont do it anymore, I had so many stops,and I blamed my locomotives all along for it, not INOX but I tried WD-40, they never worked better, speaking of locomotives, should I clean wheels the same way?
You're welcome Etienne! It is funny how many people have the same story as you , but I'm glad you tried a spray and it works well for you! Yes clean your wheels the same way !
Thanks for watching!
Gregg.
Damn Greg you could write a Toolbox Talk about this stuff. 😂🤣
LOL...Bloody ToolBox Talks,,I'm sick of them at work!! Maybe I'll write a book???
Thanks for watching Bronson.
Gregg.
Hey Mate, over the pond in NZ I’ve never seen that product, what about Meths? Would that be a good cleaner?
Thanks
-Sam
Hi Sam, I assume you mean "metho" or Methylated spirits? This will clean vry well, but will also leave the track "sterile" , lile IPA , and cause oxidation in the long run. If you can't get Inox, the CRC 2-26 is a good alternative.
Cheers and thanks for watching.
Gregg.
"Rat piss is a good insulator" hahaha!!! Great video!
Thanks David!
Gregg :-)
Nothing like passion for a subject. Rant or not feeling for a thing is the perfect.
Thank you ! I appreciate the support.
Cheers Gregg.
Having lots and lots of feeders helps too!
Yes Richard , and with DCC being AC , there is far less voltage drop than with DC!
Thanks for watching.
How have I been so stupid for so long! Just returned to the hobby after a few stop starts since teenage years and always used track rubber…I could never understand why things kept getting worse! I’m now back going TT120 following Hornby’s new range, the Peco track is down and it’s great but it tarnished very quickly … the Inox MX3 is on order and the track rubber will serve as a reminder of taking my engineers hat off when playing with my trains! Thanks for the wake up call!
We all did it Matthew! But now you know and let me know how it works for you. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Gregg.
And DO NOT put automatic transmission fluid on your track !
Absolutely !!! I remember when that was a "thing" ??? And brake fluid too!!! What were people thinking..LOL.
Thanks for watching Otto.
Gregg.
When I used it, trains ran remarkably better. Saying do not doesn't offer any reason why.
I've used it and not any trouble with it. Cleans the track and drys quickly. Please explain your statement.
@@gkoproske The main reason Glen, is that these lubricants are not designed for electrical circuits and can damage some plastics, but if you get the results you're after then keep using them.
Cheers Gregg.
I couldn't believe people put automatic transmission fluid on their tracks, but faced with serious conductivity issues, I started using it on a small scale over a year ago. My experiences didn't match much of what I read; in very small amounts carefully spread it pulls the dirt off locomotives, rolling stock and track and leaves it in a few small oily black blobs that can be wiped up with a cloth very quickly; its prime advantage is that locos can be cleaned while in motion without having to remove them from the track. No adverse affects detected in 18 months but I'm careful not to get any on plastic sleepers.
Ok - how is frantically rubbing a track rubber across a rough piece of wood IN ANY way comparable to wiping it along a smooth metal rail? Not a useful or sensible comparison.
CRC 2~26 works for me. Keep on ranting as much as you like. It’s all educational to me 👍🏻
Thank you Lance ! Always something new to learn in this hobby..even for a oldie like me.
Cheers Gregg.
CRC 2-26, top-notch stuff, works better than anything I've tried. The effect lasts for months. It's made for electrical switches.
Crow T. Robot so CRC 2-26 sounds like it’s a popular choice any issues if u get some on a loco?, any experience with CRC QD contact cleaner? CRC specify it’s made to work with sensitive plastics. Many thanks
@@roydom5 CRC 2-26 does not harm plastics. It is more than a cleaner. it leaves a dry, conducting, corrosion-inhibiting coat. Never used the contact cleaner, but any CRC product should be good. My experience with their 2-26 has been the best of anything I've tried by far.
@@roydom5 I would stay away from contact cleaner roydom and go with the Innox or CRC2-26 as you say !
Gregg :-)
what about 99% isopropyl alcohol used for ultrasonic circuit board cleaners? I have two bottles of the stuff made by Belle chemical.
Any IPA is not suitable for long term track cleaning. The IPA used in PCB 's , is there to clean the board of grease and debris, not to clean the conductive parts of the circuit. Read the comments below from the many who have had issues with IPA, especially after long term use. Get a can of CRC or INox and see the difference.
Cheers Gregg.
Loved this video! Keep on ranting!
Always! Thanks Deryk!
only 94k views!?!!??!?!?... this information is 100% GOLD for a model railroader... this vid should have no less than 1million views within model railroad circles... i still see folks using alcohol and something called no-ox and other junk... wake up you sleeping model railroaders... the only thing you need is CRC 2-26... home depot has it a few bucks a can... get it... use it... it WORKS
Thank you! I wish it had more views...but I'm rubbing some people, with old views, up the wrong way and they don't like it..LOL. The good thing is that many modellers have tried Inox or CRC and can't believe the difference it has made...so I'm happy with that!
Tell your friends to come and watch the video!
Cheers Gregg.
WD-40 on a clean rag works too.
Glad you got some good results Scott!
Thanks for watching!
Gregg.
Been back in trains about a year. Used WD-40 the first time my track was dirty. It worked so well I have been using it ever since. Have a blessed day.
As we don't have Inox Mx3 here in Sweden, I thank you for your advice on using WD-40 instead!
Watched this video and went out and bought a tin of INOX What a difference it has made to the running of my layout
Wish i had found out about it years ago
Thanks for your advice
Hi Mike, thanks for the feedback on your results from trying INOXX. I'm glad you got the improved running that I predicted, and you now enjoy the layout more. Tell your friends to throw away their track rubbers and IPA..LOL>
Cheers Gregg.
What a great video, Inox has been a life saver. Keep up the videos.
@@bryanspencer3739 Thanks Bryan! Glad it worked for you and achieved the results I promised !
Cheers Gregg.
Hi , wonderful ,I have just tried some contact cleaner just like you said and what a difference ,smooth at fast or deadly slow ,I used to put it on a faster speed or power just to get it around the track ,oh what a joy ,even the lights on my virgin train are brighter and I cant wait for it to go dark ,a standing ovation to you kind sir ,amazing ,and some thing that actually works very best wishes from the uk Brian.
Hi Brian , thanks for watching and I'm glad you got some good results! Just remember that contact cleaner will not leave a protective film on the rails like Innox or CRC will, so you might want to use one of those from time to time.
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Hi Gregg thanks for your reply , I will try crc or innox ,I used Servisol super 10 and it certainly made a huge difference and I was so pleased lol my very best wishes Brian
@@FishplateFilms HI Gregg managed to get some INOX MX3 Lubricant, I hope it is the correct one . I think it is as loads of people are using it on there Scale electrics model Railways and there tracks .and they are not giving it away it cost £10 for INOX MX3 Lubricant, 60ml, lol but people are raving about it ,and I will after use it well and not waste it ,thanks again Brian
@@mrmusdtard2 Hi Brian, thats the one! A can will last you a decade easy...use the plastic tube in the nozzle, and spray 2 tiny patches on a rag , then run along the track and see how black it gets! I keep using the same rags( i have little folded pieces everywhere) until they are filthy. Once you get the rails clean, keep rags with Innox on them as it will stay on them . You'll always get little dark lines , as dirt is always falling and the Innox will get dirt off the wheels too..it's a on going process but you will work out a routine that suits you.
Gregg :-)
Right there on the front of the can, non food grade 🤣🤣
I love this video, I got the product and have not had any track problems since. This is the best rant ever, still makes me laugh.
Great video, great product mate.
Thanks Rick! I'm glad you enjoyed the rant, got some Inox and got the results I promised! I get a kick out of seeing people prove the science behind the video and have better running layouts.
Cheers, Gregg.
Great rant gregg. But one slight error, that version of "Inox" is the non-food grade type.
But keep up the good work and rants!
Thanks ! I didn't realise I grabbed the wrong can...we use both at work . My Bad ..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Although I'm sure that can was purchased legitimately by you.
@@CompositeStaff Thats funny right there!!
Dose vinegar work to clean the track?
No it does not! it WILL clean the dirt off , but vinegar is a mild acid which will do more harm than good to your rails! Best to stick with products that are made to clean electrical surfaces.
Gregg :-)
@@FishplateFilms thank u
Oh I forgot my wife's father use to call RP 7 or WD 40 Tigers Piss LOL
Well I know rat pee is a great insulator..LOL
about time someone else is getting the truth about how bad IPA is for track . thanks
Yes David , took me a few years to find out!
Thanks for watching.
Cheers Gregg.
3:58 Lol.
Great video, can you tell me which CRC product to use I live in the US and can seem to find the Inoxx
Thanks Bill! CRC 2-26 is the one you want, I think it says multi purpose lubricant?
Cheers Gregg.
home depot has it... a couple bucks per can
13 year old me decided to store a box set from Bachmann in tv set drawer and 2 years later i finally got back into it and the tracks are tarnished on top (these are nickel steel, they've all become fully/mostly dull grey on the top instead of shiny) but all the metal cleaning products in my house are for guns and contain petroleum distillates. Whats the matter with distillates, and is there a way to use them and clean off the distillates later? Its only 1 train, 3 rolling stock and a large pile of tracks so I don't think I could justify ordering the silicate based cleaner.
You can use them for what you want to do no problem, but a bit of CRC will help a lot!
Do you wait until the crc 2-26 dries on the wheels of a locomotive or on the rails before running trains? Or can you run trains right after you spray and wipe the crc?
No John, just a little on the rag and wipe a section and away you go ! If you run your finger along the rail , it should be smooth and a tiny bit left on your finger.
Gregg.:-)
Changed my track cleaning process. I went to the Inox and through my track eraser away. My trains now run better then they have ever run. Thanks for the video.
That's great news Clarence! That is the exact reason I made the video and you have joined the long list of happy modellers with better running trains!
Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
Cheers Gregg.
Your humor helps ease the message! Thanks for the good information. Have been using IPA, I'll try your method! Cheers!
Thanks Don! Give it a try and let me know how it goes for you.
Cheers , Gregg.
Great video! It’s pleasant to get some useful information without bullshit. Just ordered a can and also ordered mx5 needle tube to lube my trains. Have you used the mx5? Thanks Ray
Thanks Ray ! No I haven't used the MX5 yet . I still have a tube of Labelle plastic compatible Grease and oil that I've had for decades, but they are getting low . Let me know how you go with the Inoxx!
Cheers Gregg.
Is it possible to get inox in a bottle that doesn't squirt so we could fill a track cleaning car (CMX) with it and make the job a buttload easier?
Depending on where you are Jared, you can get it in a trigger spray bottle that you could fill a track cleaning car . But you only need a little on a rag and I don't know if you can slow the CMX down to a drip ?
Cheers Gregg.
Yes, the CMX track cleaning car has a cap to fill the tank, and a knob to regulate the drips, but that's just from what I've seen.
Great rant! Found your channel and subscribed. The way I will clean my track from here on out! Thanks mate!
Hi Christopher,
Thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Let me know how it goes for you.🙂
Cheers Gregg.
I have looked at the Inox product page. Not sure which one to purchase. Which is the correct Inox product to use???? I do want to clean wheel sets and will be using the "Clean Machine" (brass tank car) to clean track.
Hi Rich , the one you want is MX3! Let me know how it goes for you.
Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Got the INOX MX3 and it works great even on my steel rail sectional track in the attic!!!! The attic loop is used until the layour in the basement is completed with NS flex track.
@@richramik2092 That's great news Rich ! Thanks for the feedback and glad it worked well for you.
Cheers Gregg.
Thanks. Tried this and works great. Running n-scale with trains over 30’ and over did the amount at first so learnt the hard way but now got it right.
Hi Richard, glad you got good results ! I'm sure with N scale, that you need to be a bit careful ...not much contact area with the rails on your locos!
Thanks for watching and letting me know your results!
Cheers Gregg.
An update. Had renno’s done in room above the train room. Had it covered up for dust for over 7 months. Took off the plastic cover recently, vacuumed (was good anyway) and ran trains without touching the track. Perfect!
You say to use Inox or "CRC". Well, CRC is a big place. What is the actual chemical in these that makes them work. What sort of CRC product are you endorsing?
CRC 2-26 John. I don't know whats in it , you'd have to look at the MSSD for that. I prefer Inox , but it is a bit hard to get in the US and UK, but it is becoming more popular !
Cheers Gregg.
Found Inox on the huge online store named after a similarly huge river. No worries. Got some 3M 3000 grit paper to go with it. You convinced me to change my wicked ways.
@@johntauxe Thats good John..LOL. Go easy with the grit paper....only use it to repair scratches or remove stubborn dirt! Let me know it it all goes for you!
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms I fear that some damage is already done. The entire layout is made with Walthers Shinohara nickel silver track, and it had not occurred to me that it is of course only nickel plated. There are places where I even took a file to turnouts and crossovers to level them out. As you suggest, the metal file is likely to have deeply scored the head of the rails, and may have removed a good bit of the plating. I think the 3,000 grit will be necessary to smooth all that out. I still need to do ballasting, so we'll do that message job first, then probably clean with 99% isopropyl alcohol then finally get into the groove of using the Inox MX3 for final treatment.
Fortunately, all the track works very well right now electrically, anyway.
Hi i receive the Inox but i wish understand better how to use it.
1) clean track with clean cloth string and inox
2) clean track with clean cloth string but second way to remove the inox that appear like oil on skin. ?
little scared for this oil effect ...
Do you use it rubber wheels applied on the loco ?
Any help is really appreciate
Hi Stefano , Yes , you have it the correct way! Use only a little on the rag / cloth , you do not need very much at all! If you have traction tyres /rubber wheels, you you have to be careful , as the INOX or CRC will make the rubber slip on the rails!
Try using very small amount , but if you get wheelslip , then you can stop using the INOX or CRC , and the rubber wheels/ traction tyres will dry out after running for a while.
Traction tyres are a pain , luckily I don't use them .
Cheers and good luck.
Gregg.
Here in Malta we haven't got Inox , so is WD40 ok? I do really appreciate if you answer me back
You can use it , but CRC 6-26 is better . WD40 is not really made for electrical components, and is more oil based. Get CRC if you can!
CHeers Gregg.
building my first railway and i definitely will benefit from this. i am ordering everything after i type this. hopefully my class 81s will be as smooth as silk.
Good luck with it Thomas! The new Aussie stuff seems pretty good these days , and the 81's are tough looking locos.
Glad you liked the video and thanks for watching.
Gregg.
Hi does inox work with o scale tubular track also? Thanks Mike. Vandalia Oh
Hi Mike , yes it will for sure! Just be careful if your locos have traction tyres , as it will make them slip so go easy with it in that case.
Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms thanks. Very helpful. Mike
Good video. What's the impact on inclines. Does Inox leav an oily residue?
Unless you have traction tyres, it's not an issue, but if you do , then it will make them slick and useless.
The track is left with a thin film that is not oily but does make the rails smooth and slick. Off course it depends on how much you use also!
Thanks for watching!
Gregg.
Hi it,s Neil schwerdt in west valley city Utah,.will we got the system running now .
The DB 210 do not work it was new so now I've got to send it back to digatrack to be fixed.
Hope you are well and trying to play train,s .
Oh is the house you are buying or building going ?
Will you take care of your self from Neil
What would you think of using 99% isopropyl for a good cleaning (like after ballasting) and then polishing with 3000 grit paper and the Inox MX3?
I am fortunate to have access to 99% isopropyl by the gallon in my local hardware store.
Hi John,
You can use the IPA to "Clean" after ballasting or painting, but then go ver the rails with INOX as you say! You can skip the paper , but you can use it to remove scratches left by track rubbers ect. Then just use the INOX on a rag!
Cheers Gregg.
Very good info, and I loved the ranys. Keep em coming.
Thanks Mike! More rants for sure in the future!
CHeers Gregg.
I've just started building an oo gauge railway and cleaned the rails inside my tunnel using IPA and now the loco is stuttering and comes to a halt. 'Silly boy me'!!! I've just watched your tutorial and feel like an absolute idiot of the highest order. I'm going to get some wet n dry 4000 gauge and wet it with inox and ask my wife to put her arm in the tunnels, mine won't fit,; single portals!. Will let you know if this works out well. Excellent video, just love your style and your personality is brilliant. Good to 'rant' as it definitely help spell out the message.
Thanks Richard, you will only need the wetndry if you used a track rubber and scratched the rails, otherwise a rag and Inox will be fine! Please let me know how you get on !
Cheers Gregg
Thank you after watching this got rid of my rubber cleaner and other fluids,I'm in the UK so got some wd 40 contact cleaner was the closest i could find, after ten minutes cleaning it was like a totally different lay out all the trains running great now thankyou for the great advice 👍
Hi Shawn, thanks for the feedback ! This is exactly why I made this video , and I'm chuffed that you found such a huge difference in the operation of your layout! Just to let you know , you can get INOX form "Pendle Slot Racing " in Lancashire:-) . Also CRC2-26 would be better than WD40 , as it is more suited to electrical components, but I'm glad the WD is working for you :-).
Thanks again for your great feedback !
CHeers Gregg.
I think you missed that Shawn said WD40 CONTACT CLEANER which is different from STANDARD WD40 and is as effective as other products listed here, as indeed is any industrial contact cleaner. Standard WD 40 is a general purpose compromise.
thanks for replying to my last question! How about this one. Will lighter fluid for cigarette lighters work in a pinch? I have steam and don't want tire slippage. Thanks again.
Hi watched your video in the uk with much interest. Inox is not available here. I’ve seen quoted Crc 2-21 as being the same but not sure.
I’ve also noticed that inox is a lubricant, how does it affect steam locos with traction tyres ?
Take on board track rubbbers are a no no dcc do a much finer rubber.
Would be great Greg if you could answer as I know others are showing interest in the uk.
Hi Derek, Thanks for watching and I have had a lot of interest from the UK and you can get INOX from Pendle Slot racing in Lancashire , believe it or not! I'm afraid it does make traction tyres slip on the slick rails. I've not heard of 2-21, but CRC 2-26 is similar to Inox. If you only use a little of the spray and wipe the rails wth a dry rag you should be ok? See Charlie at Chadwick model railway channel , as he uses INox and may have a better idea. .
Cheers Gregg.
Great stuff. I have been havung serious problems with my new layout and this solution solved them all. Thank you so much for your advice.
That's great Gary! Glad to hear it worked for you...tell your friends!
CHeers Gregg.
I have a bottle of inox mx3FG. Is this the same product? Thank you.
Hi Mark ,
I haven't used it, but according to their site, it is similar but suitable for food processing equipment. Id; say it would be fine , give it a go and see how it works for you.
CHeers, GRegg.
I use to use alcohol all the time for years never knowing how bad it was until a few months ago. Locos started to run bad Then I switched to CRC contact cleaner and protectant . They run smooth as silk now . Good video. Everyone should watch this one.
Thanks very much Scott! I did the same and the problem got worse till trains just wouldn't run, then I cleaned a small section of track with Innox, ran a train through it and it continued round the layout without stopping. Glad you are having great results.
Gregg :-)
I've been looking around and can't figure out which is the best from the crc brand. There's the 2-26, contact cleaner and electronic cleaner. Which one would you recommend would be the best to use. Thanks!
Hi Jordan , just go with 2-26. The cleaners will work , but won't stop oxidation on the rails, which is the main problem with conductivity. I've heard CRC make a "cleaner and protectant" but i've not seen it? The 2-26 normal spray is the one you want , unless yo can get Inox!!
Cheers Gregg
@FishplateFilms hey Gregg I was able to get a can of inox like in your vidoe but I'm having trouble finding a good cloth or fabric to scrub the track with, any suggestions? Thanks!!
@@jordansmith7878 Very good sir! Just any old cotton rag will do , but stay away from shiny polyester !
Let me know how the Inox works for you!
Gregg .
What about 5 percent white vinegar soaking for 24 hours and then neutralize the acid and dry the tracks in an oven?
I second this question. I have no experience in modal railroading, but I have my grandfather's old Lionel set. Many of the tracks don't need a simply "cleaning", but instead need to be completely restored. I understand that you shouldn't routinely clean with water or anything containing water, but how do you rehabilitate very old tracks? I've seen other videos that explain how to remove the rust with vinegar and then dehydrate in the oven for an hour. Is this a really bad idea too?
Gregg, I found the video to be enlightening and entertaining! Thank you for sharing with us your knowledge. My "Abrasive block" has been tossed!
Thank you ! I'm glad you enjoyed it and best of all, you got rid of your sanding block..LOL...Your life has now improved!! Enjoy the benefits my friend!
Cheers Gregg.
Hi - just watched and enjoyed your clip on dont's for track cleaning. I have a question re isopropyl alcohol. I can understand your comments about the "impurities" in IPA ... but I can source (here in NZ) isopropyl alcohol that is 99% pure. The agents for this brew can not tell me what the last 1% is. So my question is does your rant include all isopropyl alcohol products or just the ones you mentioned with the extra water etc added to them. Thanks Fr. John
Hi John and thanks for watching! Due to it's chemical make up ,and being made from LPG, IPA is not suitable for any electrical equipment cleaning, and if you watch the follow up video to this , I go into that a little deeper. Even "pure" IPA will dry and leave a residue in the track that builds up over time . If you must use an alcohol to clean your tracks , then try Methylated spirits , but better still , use a product that is made for the job...like INOX or similar. The only reason to avoid these is if you have traction tyres on your locos, as the INOX will make the rubber slip.
Cheers Gregg
@@FishplateFilms Hi Greg, thanks for that. I can not use the Inox product as all my locos have friction tyres.
Blessings Fr. John
Greg,
Learn a few things, I received a HUGE box of Atlas snap track. Before I start putting any track down, I was thinking of using a pink pencil eraser to go over the top of the rails and the joiners. What do you recommend? I don't want to be bent over just yet.
.....start removing your belt Thomas...this is gonna hurt! An eraser is your worst choice , apart from a track rubber, but if you have nothing else , then make sure you go over the track with Innox or CRC before you run trains. As for the joints, keep the rubber way from them if you can and also give them a good wipe with your spray of choice. Don't forget to vacuum up the rubber before applying the spray.
Cheers Gregg.
If used on MRR track does the Inox damage rubber/other material traction tyres on locos?
Just starting again after too many years and cleaned my "new" track and saw better running and then some rust, yes 2nd hand track so not the best, then rubbish running.
Tried some of the stuff you said NOT to do, I was so new!
I knew I needed to protect the, clean, rail and I knew it had to be electrically clean.
SO I did what you said, well I bought and used CRC, Bang, and the job was done.
Thank You, blobby awesome.
I am still nuts but at least I drove myself there.
Thank you Diez! I'm glad you got some good results and also found out the difference yourself ! If you have rust , then you have really old track ???
Good luck with it!
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms 7 months down the road, still fantastic, every now and then I get a bit of stutter so I just "dirty it" with the lube and job done.
Getting Dirty, such fun.
Thanks again.
@@diez66 Great stuff and thanks for the feedback !
Cheers Gregg.
Don`t worry about replying about my question as I have just seen your video of the 13th April 2020. However do you know of any product similar to Inox that wont bugger up traction tyres. Cheers Greg from Australia
Hi Greg, It is the "wet" that the tyres don't like , and it is the same with other liquids as well. You could try a lanolin spray , like "Lannotech: as it does the same as Innox , but dries out more.
Other than that you are back to dry cleaning I'm afraid?
Gregg.
You got your point across in a very humorous way. Thanks. I liked it.
Thanks George! Glad you got a laugh and some tips!
Gregg :-)
It says “lubricates”, does this leave a slick film that would cause wheel slip?
Hi Lancer, it does leave a very thin film on the rails, depending on ow much you apply of course. I run long trains up my helix with no issues at all . The only issue is if you have traction tyres on your loco , then it becomes a problem ,as they soak up the inox and become useless!
Thanks for watching.
Gregg.
Hi I don't have those (Inox and crc 2 26) available in my country, can i use any other contact cleaner or can anyone suggest something else? Thanks!
Chadwick model railway brought me here. 😂😂😂 what a great video 👌. Inox ordered. Track rubber binned!!!
LOL...well I need to thank Charlie for another view! Let me know how you get on Richie , when you try the Inox.
Thanks and cheers,
Gregg.
Hello from Thailand, very informative indeed. Can you recommend what kind of crc do you use? I am using 2-26 or contact cleaner is it ok?
CRC 2-26 , not the contact cleaner.
Thanks for watching.
Gregg.
Alan Darbyshire
Hi Greg
watched your track cleaning video and found an Inok supplier in England, cured my running problems in an instance
all my locos are dc and from the sixties, Hornby Dublo, Tri-ang, ect I have refurbished them and due to you they now run perfectly
keep up the good work, love your rants.
Hi Alan, thats great news and thanks for the feedback !
More rants on the way...thats for sure.
Cheers Gregg
Great video, as an Aussie myself I will be buying this. Makes perfect sense the rants. Thanks for sharing these tips! I also recon due to the isolation rules in Australia not going to the pub for a beer is starting to take its toll on you like it is me. Keep well and all the best. Clint
Thanks CLint! The thing is I don't drink beer or go to pubs , but do frequent the odd whisky Bar on the odd occasion! You will like the results from this , just use a little and see the difference!
Cheers Gregg.
Wow! On the back of watching this I ordered some Inox from Pendle slot cars (UK firm) on Monday - arrived today (Wednesday). I've wiped a few sections of track and already my temperamental DCC sound locos are running far better. I cannot quite believe it was that quick and easy. The track looked pretty clean before but a wipe with the cloth took off loads of "crud". Thanks for posting this video.
You're welcome Richard! It will get even better as the Innox cleans the wheels! Just do a bit here and there and let the trais take it round! You will always get dirt on your rag but it's just doing its job. Thanks for the support and for the feedback and I'm glad you got good results that fast...just like I did !
Cheers Gregg.
Nice video. Inox is labeled as a lubricant. Do you find your loco's wheels slipping especially going up a grade?
Thank you Dave! You only use a tiny amount , and unless you have traction tyres, you won't have a problem!
Cheers Gregg.
Very helpful! Thank you! Would I be correct in thinking that INOX and CRC would be good for cleaning locomotive wheels as well?
Yes Andrew! But if you clean the track regularly , the liquid will remove dirt from the wheels as they go round the layout!
Thanks for watching.
Gregg.
My question with this product do you wipe it on a section of track, north & south rails, and let the train drag the excess with it, or do you do the entire layout?
Yes , you can do that , or do sections around the layout at different times..up to you!
Hi Mate, love your no B.S. videos. Question what track cleaner do you use to get into tunnels and hard to reach areas of your layout? I'm looking at the Dapol unit - your thoughts.
Thanks David, glad you enjoy the videos! If you go through my layout videos, there are a few on cleaning track in hiddens areas, with an old ROCO cleaning car with a rag & Inox . I do like the Dapol unit, especially for the vacuum feature , were and I think I'll get one for the new layout! The best ever were the "Aztec" cars made in the US, but sadly no more. They were a bit fiddly and not "idiot" proof, but were a fantastic design and I regret not getting one years ago!
A Dapol unit with the cleaning pads with INox would be great for hidden track.
Cheers Gregg,
Is Inox mx3 general purpose lubricant the same?
If it's the same can Shane, then yes. It says "multi use lubricant" on the new cans.
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms you video is great. Love your rants
@@shanecockburn LOL..thanks Shane..I feel that more are on the way?? Let me know how it works for you.
Cheers Gregg.