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| I cut a cork in half for use as a track cleaner. |
"Before moving the freight cars back onto the newly cleaned sections, a piece of cork was rubbed over the rail heads to remove dirt. I use wine bottle corks that are cut lengthwise into a half cylinder. No fluid was applied, although I have soaked the cork face with 90% Isopropyl alcohol to clean the track a couple of times. Usually the dry cork face is enough to remove the light film that accumulates between monthly sessions. A few corks are kept handy for track cleaning."
Notes on Designing, Building, and Operating Model Railroads
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| A cork in use on the White River Division. Thanks to my wife I have a stockpile of corks and a lot of empties to return for deposit. She is happy to do her part in keeping my layout clean and running. |
Interesting idea, George. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteI've treated my rails with a 2B graphite stick. I've written about this on my blog (link below). It works beautifully. And since doing this, I've NEVER had to clean my rails. It's been almost three years (including a major, dust-generating home renovation) and things still run fine.
http://themodelrailwayshow.com/cn1950s/?p=3286
Cheers!
- Trevor (Port Rowan in 1:64)
Graphite Stick...sounds interesting...will have to look into that also...George
DeleteWhat a timely post! I just added another cork to the collection last night, and I don't open a bottle of wine that often. My jar of corks is almost full - now I have another use for them! (Previous uses include carving stumps and figures.)
ReplyDeleteHi Galen:
DeleteI know who to ask if I run low with corks...George
I do the same with left over pieces of cork roadbed, works great! Will have to put this on my blog too.
ReplyDeleteJoe smith
That sounds like a good alternative...George Dutka
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